THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  ILLINOIS 
LIBRARY 


Prom  the  collection  of* 
Julius  Doerner,  Chicago' 
Purchased,  1918. 

606./ 


0^45 


Return  this  book  on  or  before  the 
Latest  Date  stamped  below. 


University  of  Illinois  Library 


w. 


SEVEN  HUNDRED 


ALBUM  VERSES, 


COMPRISING 

CHOICE  SELECTIONS  OF  POETRY 
AND  PROSE, 

SUITABLE  FOR  WRITING  IN  AUTOGRAPH  ALBUMS, 

AND  FOR 

VALENTINES,  BIRTHDAY,  CHRISTMAS  AND  NEW  YEAR 
CARDS. 


ORIGINAL  AND  SELECTED. 


Our  lives  are  albums  written  through. 

With  good  or  ill,  with  false  or  true. 

And  as  the  blessed  angels  turn  the  pages  of  our  years, 
God  grant  that  they  may  read  the  good  with  smiles, 
And  blot  the  ill  with  tears. 


Compiled  by  J.  S.  OGILVIE. 


New  York: 

J.  S.  OGILVIE  & COMPANY, 
31  Rose  Street. 


OOFY  RIGHT,  1884, 
li/  J.  S.  0G1L\^  & CO- 


‘?6?.  1 


PREFACE. 

Who  among  the  readers  of  this  pre- 
face has  not  been  invited  to  write  a few 
words  of  sentiment  in  the  album  of  a 
friend  ? As  an  aid  to  the  many  thou- 
sands who  have  received  this  invitation, 
and  have  not  known  what  to  write,  we 
offer  this  collection  of  choice  verse  and 
prose,  as  an  aid  to  them  and  all  others, 
with  the  hope  that  our  labor  shall  not 
have  been  spent  in  vain,  nor  be  alto-  > 
gether  unappreciated.  Great  care  has 
been  taken  to  procure  as  many  original 
pieces  as  possible.  Many  choice  verses 
suitable  for  Birthday,  Christmas  and 
New  Year  celebrations,  have  been 
added;  which,  with  the  collection  of 
articles  embracing  sentiment,  affection, 
humor,  and  miscellany,  is  offered  to  a 
generous  public  by 

The  Compiler. 


69239: 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

Dedication  Verses, 5 

Sentiment  and  Affection,  - - 12 

Miscellaneous, 54 

Esteem  and  Confidence,  - - - 109 

Humorous, 114 

Birthday  Verses, 118 

Christmas  and  New  Year, 


- 121 


■■^DEDIOHTieN  YER^E3^ 


SUITABLE  FOR  INSCRIPTION  ON  TITLE  PAGES  OS 
ALBUMS. 

Within  this  book  ne’er  may  there  steal, 
A thought  to  make  a fair  one  feel 
A single  pang  of  heartfelt  grief, 

Or  slightest  sorrow,  e’er  so  brief  ; 

But  let  each  line  the  muse  inspires 
Be  filled  with  ardent,  pure  desires, 
That  every  good  on  thee  may  rest, 

And  every  blessing  be  possessed, 
Whate’er  we  ask  for  those  we  love, 
From  earth  below  or  heaven  above. 
May  ne’er  the  sigh  of  anguish  blast 
One  bright  memorial  of  the  past ; 

Or  wavering  doubt,  or  anxious  fear, 

Be  caused  by  aught  recorded  here. 

Let  warm  affection,  pure  and  bright. 
Cast  o’er  each  page  its  hallowed  light. 
Thus  may  this  album  ever-be 
From  vice,  and  pride,  and  passion  free  ; 
From  every  grosser  taint  refined. 

An  emblem  of  the  stainless  mind  ; 

And  tliough  thy  friends  afar  may  be — 
Beyond  the  wide,  wide  rolling  sea — 

O,  think  not  they  will  e’er  forget 
The  fair  one  whom  they  here  have  met. 


6 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


As  you  have  conferred  on  me  the 
favor  of  dedicating  your  album,  I feel 
myself  under  renewed  obligation  to 
present  you  a memento  of  respect  and 
esteem. 

May  you  find  many  true  friends  who 
will  interest  themselves  in  your  behalf 
and  leave  an  expression  of  their  attach' 
ment  to  you  in  this  book — a token  that 
shall  endure  when  widely  separated  by 
time  and  space. 

Go,  leafy  compendium,  and  gather 
sweets  from  every  flowery  pen  ; plume 
thy  wings  with  richest  gems,  nor  per- 
mit thy  pages  to  become  contaminated 
by  poisonous  sentiments. 

This  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  your 
unworthy  friend. 

Go  forth,  thou  little  volume 
I leave  thee  to  thy  fate  ; 

To  love  and  friendship  truly 
Thy  leaves  I dedicate. 

Go,  little  book,  thy  destined  course 
pursue. 

Collect  memorials  of  the  just  and  true, 
And  beg  of  every  friend  so  near 
Some  token  of  remembrance  dear. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


7 


When  years’  elapse, 

It  may,  perhaps. 

Delight  us  to  review  these  scraps, 
And  live  again  ’mid  scenes  so  gay. 
That  time’s  rough  hand  has  swept  away; 
For  when  the  eye,  bedimmed  with  age, 
Shall  rest  upon  each  treasured  page, 
Those  pleasant  hours 
That  once  were  ours 
Shall  come  again,  like  autumn 
flowers. 

To  bloom  and  smile  upon  us  here 
When  all  things  else  seem  sad  and  drear; 
’Twill  tune  our  hearts  and  make  them 
sing. 

And  turn  our  autumn  into  spring  ! 

As  life  flows  on  from  day  to  day. 
And  this,  your  book,  soon  fills. 
How  many  may  be  far  away 
From  treasured  vales  and  hills? 
But  there  is  joy  in  future  time 
To  turn  the  pages  o’er, 

And  see  within  a name  or  rhyme 
From  one  you’ll  see  no  more. 

Go  forth,  thou  little  volume. 

Like  Noah’s  faithful  dove. 

And  bring  to  darling 

An  olive  leaf  of  love. 


8 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


My  album’s  open  ! Come  and  see  ! 
What ! Won’t  you  waste  a line  on  mel 
Write  but  a thought,  a word  or  two, 
That  memory  may  revert  to  you. 


Go,  album!  range  the  gay  parterre  ; 
From  gem  to  gem,  from  flower  to 
flower. 

Select  with  taste  and  cull  with  care. 
And  bring  your  offering,  fresh  and  rare, 
To  this  sweet  maiden’s  bower! 


To  My  Friends: 

My  album  is  a garden  spot 

Where  all  my  friends  may  sow. 
Where  thorns  and  thistles  flourish  not, 
But  flowers  alone  may  grow. 

With  smiles  for  sunshine,  tears  for 
showers, 

ril  water, watch  and  guard  these  flowers. 

Life  is  a volume. 

From  youth  to  old  age, 

Each  year  forms  a chapter. 

Each  day  is  a page. 

May  none  be  more  charming, 

More  womanly  (manly)  true. 
Than  that,  pure  and  noble. 
Sketched  yearly  by  you. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


9 


Many  kind  wishes  will  be  written  here, 
And  none  more  sincere  than  ,mine. 

But — 

Words  are  lighter  than  the  cloud-foam 
Of  the  restless  ocean’s  spray; 

Vainer  than  the  trembling  shadows 
That  the  next  hour  steals  away. 

By  the  fall  of  summer  raindrops 
Is  the  air  as  deeply  stirred, 

And  the  roseleaf  that  we  tread  on 
Will  outlive  a word. 


We  may  write  our  names  in  albums, 
We  may  trace  them  in  the  sand. 

We  may  chisel  them  in  marble, 

With  a firm  and  skillful  hand; 

But  the  pages  soon  are  sullied, 

Soon  each  name  will  fade  away  ; 

Every  monument  will  crumble, 

Like  all  earthly  hopes,  decay. 

But,  dear  friend,  there  is  an  album. 

Full  of  leaves  of  snowy  white. 

Where  no  name  is  ever  tarnished, 

But  forever  pure  and  bright. 

In  that  Book  of  Life,  God’s  Album, 
May  your  name  be  penned  with  care; 

And  may  all  who  do  here  write. 

Have  their  names  forever  there. 


lO 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Go  little  volume,  like  the  bee, 

The  fertile  fields  of  mind  explore, 
Cull  from  each  mental  shrub  and  tree 
Some  grateful  sweets  to  swell  thy 
store. 

Go,  and  in  friendship’s  hallowed  name, 
Where’ere  thy  wanderings  may  be, 

A tribute  fond  from  feeling  claim, 

A few  brief  lines  for  Memory. 

Go,  little  book.  Bring,  the  best 
wishes  of  happiness  to  the  /air  owner 
of  this  memorial  of  friendship ; .and 
gather  the  brightest  gems  of  Virtue, 
Esteem  and  Love  from  the  fairy  fields 
of  a bright  future. 

Fly,  little  volume,  to  the  mount  where 
Hope’s  bright  star  ever  glitters  above 
the  horizon  and  colors  those  flowers  of 
friendship  that  fade  not ; but,  ever 
filled  with  the  dews  of  affection,  scat- 
ters its  sweet  influence  around  the  path- 
way of  our  dear  friend  when  the  lower- 
inof  clouds  and  storms  of  affliction  hover 
o’er  her  dwelling  to  make  her  discon- 
solate, and  her  home  a place  of  sorrow. 
Then  wilt  thou,  as  a soul  cheering 
spirit,  console  the  fair  owner  of  this 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


II 


Album,  who  will  greet  thee  with  smiles, 
and  shake  thy  dewy  plumes  of  esteem, 
and  spread  before  her  those  many 
gems  that  thou  hast  gathered  from  the 
fields  of  Adiettx.  May  she  not  feel 
deserted  and  alone  ; but,  surrounded  by 
many  friends,  that  will  ever  wish  her 
happiness  and  a pathway  flower  strewn. 


CAST  ON  THE  WORLD. 

On  friendship’s  realm  thou  art 

Spotless,  till  now  unsullied  yet  in  part. 

Go,  little  book,  and  on  each  page  receive 

The  various  offerings  which  true  friends 
may  give. 

Ask  not  the  crowd,  but  seek  refinement’s 
pen. 

Wielded  by  virtue,  that  unerring  gem. 

Of  parting  friends  some  kind  memorial 
keep, 

Of  those  who  part,  perhaps  no  more  to 
meet. 


Peace  be  around  thee,  wherever  thou 
rovest ; 

May  life  be  for  thee  one  summer’s  day; 
And  all  that  thou  wish,  and  all  that  thou 
lovest, 

Come  smilingaround  thy  summer  way. 
If  sorrow  e’er  this  calm  should  break. 

May  even  thy  tears  pass  off  so  lightly, 
Like  spring  showers,  they  will  only  make 

The  smiles  that  follow  shine  more 
brightly. 

May  the  chain  of  friendship  formed 
by  the  links  which  are  dropped  here, 
serve  to  unite  you  more  closely  in  spirit 
with  the  friends  who  have  worked  it. 

May  each  link  be  brought  to  a white 
heat  in  the  fires  of  Love;  and,  forged  on 
the  anvils  of  Truth,  may  they  be  strong 
as  iron,  yet  light  as  air,  keeping  you 
bravely  to  the  duties  of  Life.  And 
when  the  chain  of  human  bondage  shall 
be  broken,  may  they  become  flowers  of 
eternal  brightness  in  the  gardens  from 
whence  cometh  exceeding  peace. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


13 


Our  lives  are  albums  written  through 
With  good  or  ill — with  false  or  true — 
And,  as  the  blessed  angels  turn 
The  pages  of  our  years, 

God  grant  they  read  the  good  with 
smiles. 

And  blot  the  bad  with  tears. 


Be  a good  girl  and  you  will  be  a true 
woman. 


May  thy  darkest  hours  in  life  be  well 
lighted  with  the  sunshine  of  content- 
ment. 


Yours  sincerely — although  merely — 

How  long  we  live,  not  years,  but  actions 
tell ; 

That  man  lives  twice  who  lives  the  first 
life  well. 

Make  then,  while  yet  ye  may,  your 
God,  your  friend. 

Whom  Christiafns  worship,  yet  not 
comprehend. 

The  trust  that’s  given,  guard;  and  to 
yourself  be  just; 

For,  live  we  how  we  can,  yet  die  we 
must. 


14 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


When  the  golden  sun  is  setting, 

And  your  heart  from  care  is  free, 

When  o’er  a thousand  things  you’rq 
thinking. 

Will  you  sometimes  think  of  me? 

Live  well;  how  long  or  short,  permit  to 
heaven  ; 

They  who  forgive  most,  shall  be  most 
forgiven. 

Soar  not  too  high  to  fall,but  stoop  to  rise; 

We  masters  grow  of  all  that  we  despise. 

Your  fate  is  but  the  common  fate  of  all; 

Unmingled  joys  here  to  no  man  befall. 

Though  many  flowers  have  faded  from 
my  life. 

And  clouds  obscure  the  brightness  of 
its  sky; 

This  have  I learned:  we  can  do  much 
to  make 

Our  lives  a blessing  and  our  words  a 
power. 

If  what  we  find  to  do,  for  Christ’s  dear 
sake. 

We  do  with  faithfulness,  from  hour  to 
hour. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


IS 


It  may  occur  in  after  life 
That  you,  I trust,  a happy  wife, 

Will  former  happy  hours  retrace. 

Recall  each  well-remembered  face. 

At  such  a moment  I but  ask — 

I hope  ’twill  be  a pleasant  task — 

* That  you’ll  remember  as  a friend 
One  who’ll  prove  true  e’en  to  the  end. 


I saw  two  clouds  at  morning. 

Tinged  by  the  morning  sun, 

And  in  the  dawn  they  floated  on 
And  mingled  into  one; 

I thought  that  morning  cloud  was  blest, 
It  moved  so  sweetly  to  the  west. 

Such  be  your  gentle  motion. 

Till  life’s  last  pulse  shall  beat. 

And  you  float  on  in  joy  to  meet 
A calmer  sea,where  storms  shall  cease — ' 
A purer  sky,  where  all  is  peace. 


When  on  this  page  you  chance  to  look, 
Just  think  of  me  and  close  the  book. 


These  few  lines  to  you  are  tendered. 
By  a friend  sincere  and  true  ; 
Hoping  but  to  be  remembered 
When  I’m  far  away  from  you. 


i6 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Work,  while  yet  the  daylight  shines, 
With  a loving  heart  and  true, 

For  golden  years  are  fleeting  by. 

And  we  are  passing,  too. 

Wait  not  for  to-morrow’s  sun 
To  beam  upon  thy  way. 

For  all  that  thou  canst  call  thine  own. 
Is  in  this  one  to-day. 

Then  learn  to  make  the  most  of  life — 
Make  glad  each  passing  day — 

For  time  will  never  bring  thee  back 
The  chances  swept  away. 

Leave  no  tender  word  unsaid — 

Do  good  while  life  shall  last ; — 

You  know  the  mill  can  never  grind 
With  the  water  that  is  past. 

Let  not  the  hours  we've  spent  together. 
Go  past  as  nothing  by  ; 

Forget  me  not,  e’en  though  you  must 
Remember  with  a sigh. 

We  are  all  placed  here  to  do  some- 
thing. It  is  for  us,  and  not  for  others, 
to  find  out  what  that  something  is,  and 
then,  with  all  the  energy  of  which  we 
are  capable,  honestly  and  prayerfully  to 
be  about  our  business. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


17 


May  the  memories  of  your  life  be 
those  which  hands  of  love  shall  gild 
with  pleasures  of  true  friendship. 

“ Poor  is  the  friendless  master  of  a 
world.  A world  in  purchase  for  a 
friend,  is  gain.” 

Let  excellency  of  character,  purity  of 
mind,  together  with  generous  .words  and 
noble  deeds,  mark  conspicuously  your 
whole  life,  not  omitting  .to  learn  to 
eat,  in  order  that  your  physical  powers 
may  be  strong  and  healthy ; thereby 
strengthening  and  elevating  the  mental 
and  intellectual. 

I have  tried  for  a week,  and  vainly  I 
seek 

Words  of  wisdom  to  write  to  you  here; 
So,  wishing  you  life  free  from  sorrow 
and  strife, 

N or  wanting  in  friends  and  good  cheer. 
With  health — perhaps  wealth — 

Love  better  than  self, 

And  Truth,  far  the  best,  to  the  end; 
Since  content  it  maintains 
While  existence  remains, 

I subscribe  myself.  Truly,  your  friend. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


iS 


In  fair  and  sunny  beauty,  or  gray  ’neath 
evening  skies, 

The  purple  hills  from  misty  vales  up- 
ward to  heaven  rise : 

Their  rugged  side  vt^e  scarce  can  see 
o’er-decked  with  fern  and  heather. 
That  rings  its  scented  violet  bells 
through  fair  and  stormy  weather ; 
So  may  thy  life  be  clothed  with  flowers, 
and  breathe  a purer  air. 

Fresh  from  the  “everlasting  hills,” 
knowing  no  grief  or  care, — 

And  if  the  sunny  sky  must  pale,  as  pales 
the  setting  sun. 

May  it  only  show  the  stars  are  near, 
peeping  out,  one  by  one ! 

I would  that  I could  express  my  mind 
To  you,  dear  friend,  in  scribbling  some 
rhyme  ; 

But  you  know  my  failing  as  well  as  I, 
And  you  better  get  another  to  try. 

Oh  ! think  of  me  some  day 
When  I am  far  away ; 

I’ll  pray  thy  days  be  long 
And  joyous  as  the  song 
Of  sweet  birds  singing  near. 

Thy  heart  with  love  to  cheer. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


19 


So  slight  a favor  ’tis  you  crave, 

That  I can  scarce  refuse  compliance; 
Nor  shall  I use  the  page  you  gave, 

To  set  your  champions  .at  defiance. 

Dear  lady,  vainly  awed,  I praise 

That  dimplpd  hand  I pressed  at 
parting ; 

Or  those  dark  eyes,  beneath  whose  gaze 
A cupid  lurks  equipped  for  darting. 

Nor  can  I hope  to  lightly  touch 

On  charms  so  oft  the  theme  of  lovers ; 
To  add  another,  while  so  much 
That  beautiful  about  thee  hovers. 

I can  but  add  one  little  pearl 

To  all  the  gems  about  thee  scattered ; 
And  say  again,  sweet,  artless  girl. 

That  all  thy  poets  have  not  flattered, 

I would  not  blot  this  page,  but  I 
would  like  to  make  a spot  large  enough 
to  hold  you  to  remembrance  of  your 
friend. 


Thanksgiving-day  again  is  here. 

And  turkey  is  the  leading  question ; 

I wish,  with  heartiness  sincere. 

That  you  may  have  a good  digestion. 


20 


Ai^nUM  VERSES. 


May  joy  thy  spirit  fill, 

All  care  and  sorrow  cease  ; 

Remember  ’tis  His  will 

Who  hath  spoken,  “ Peace  !” 

Strength  for  to-day,  in  house  and  home, 
To  practice  forbearance  sweetly  ; 

To  scatter  kind  words  and  loving  deeds. 
Still  trusting  in  God  completely. 

A volume  of  this  kind,  it  is  suppos- 
able,  will  be  more  or  less  frequently 
referred  to  in  future  years,  to  revive 
fading  recollections  and  recall  pleasant 
associations  ; and,  therefore,  though  it  is 
so  easy  to  moralize,  it  seems  eminently 
fitting  that  helpful  suggestions  should 
accompany  familiar  autographs. 

Let  me  say,  then,  that  while  in  your 
youth  a favorable  combination  of  circum- 
stances permits  so  much  of  happiness, 
the  conditions  of  its  enjoyment  cannot 
always  remain  as  now. 

As  the  responsibilities,  at  present 
borne  for  you,  shall  come  to  rest  on 
your  own  shoulders,  and  the  darker 
shades  of  life’s  history  are  unfolded,  you 
wdl  find  the  peace,  which  floweth  like  a 
river,  only  in  the  degree  in  which  you 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


21 


resolutely  perform,  every  known  duty  ; 
and,  forgetting  your  own  wants — ■ 
whether  fancied  or  real — devote  your 
thoughts,  as  well  as  your  energies,  to 
making  the  society  in  which  you  move 
happier  for  your  being. 

That  you  may  indulge  in  no  selfish 
ease ; but  bestow,  as  well  as  enjoy,  a 
full  share  of  the  pleasures  of  time,  and 
afterward  receive  a crown  of  glory,  is 
the  earnest  wish  of  your  friend — 

The  brave  man  is  not  he  who  feels 
no  fear,  for  that  were  brutish  and  irra- 
tional ; but  he  whose  noble  soul  its  fears 
subdues,  and  bravely  dares  the  danger 
nature  shrinks  from. 


Keep  thy  spirit  pure  from  worldly  taint 

By  the  repellent  strength  of  virtue; 

Think  on  noble  thoughts  and  deeds 
ever ; 

Count  o’er  the  rosary  of  truth  ; 

And  pcactice  precepts  which  are  proven 
wise 

It  matters  not  then  what  thou  fearest — 

Walk  boldly  and  wisely  in  the  light 
thou  hast ; 

There  is  a hand  above  will  help  thee  on. 


22 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


From  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the 
going  down  of  the  same,  my  name  shall 
be  writ  among  your  dearest  friends. 

Every  man  stamps  his  value  on 
himself.  The  price  we  challenge  for 
ourselves  is  given  us.  Man  is  made 
great  or  little  by  his  own  will. 

Possessions  vanish, 

And  opinions  change. 

And  passion  holds  a fluctuating  seat ; 
But,  subject  neither  to  eclipse  nor  wane, 
Duty  remains. 

Happy  be  thy  lot  in  life. 

Troubles  scarcely  known, 

Much  of  joy,  but  little  strife. 

And  plenty  all  thine  own. 

The  older  the  ruin,  the  greener  the 
moss. 

The  older  the  friendship,  the  keener  the' 
loss. 


That  one  who  can  work  right  on, 
quietly  waiting  for  recognition,  if  it 
come : if  not,  yet  right  on,  is  the  true 
nobleman. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


23 


Dost  thou  know,  love,  that  thy  smile 
Makes  the  whole  world  bright  forme 
Just  as  sunrise  pours  a sudden 
Purple  glory  on  the  sea. 

Ah  ! had  I that  power,  ever 

Should  the  world  look  bright  to  thee. 


I know  not  what  to  write  about, 

So  many  themes  are  pressing ; 

All  good  enough  in  very  truth. 

But  quite  unprepossessing; 

Each  moment  of  thy  future  life. 

Live  holy,  whether  maid  or  wife. 

And  let  it  be  thy  constant  care. 

Midst  earthly  joy  and  sorrow. 

By  watchfulness  and  fervent  prayer, 
Each  this  day  and  to-morrow, 

To  be  prepared  when  Christ  shall  come, 
H is  heaven  to  make  thy  final  home. 


Diamond  little  dewdrops,  glistening 
in  the  sun, 

We  dwell  upon  your  beauty  even 
when  you’re  gone; 

Pure,  unselfish  motives,  deeds  of  kind- 
ness done, 

Shine  as  bright  as  dewdrops  glistening 
in  the  sun. 


24 


BUM  VERSES. 


Woman  is  especially  honored  of  God. 
The  world  of  affections  is  her  world, 
not  that  of  man’s  ambition ; in  that 
stillness  which  most  becomes  a woman, 
calm  and  holy,  she  sitteth  by  the  fire- 
side of  the  heart  feeding  its  flames. 

Oh,  those  eyes  ! so  calm,  serene — 
Sweetest  eyes  were  ever  seen. 

Will  the  woes  of  coming  years 
Ever  shadow  them  with  tears  ? 

Shall  my  life  the  sunshine  own, 

That  last  night  upon  me  shone. 

When,  beneath  the  summer  skies. 
Beamed  on  me  those  brown,  brown  eyes? 

Speed  slowly  and  gently,  oh  Time,  in 
thy  flight. 

Let  thy  bounties  be  great  and  thy 
afflictions  light. 

Deal  out  full  measure  from  thy  store  of 
wealth. 

Give  peace  and  plenty,  success  and 
good  health. 


Do  your  best,  your  very  best. 
And  do  it  every  day; 

Little  boys  and  little  girls 
That  is  the  wisest  way. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


25 


As  you  travel  ove'r  life’s  rough  high- 
way, with  liberal  hand  may  you  scatter 
seeds  of  kindness  as  you  go,  that  when 
the  great  reaping  time  comes,  your  har- 
vest may  he  abundant  and  blessed. 

The  bud,  the  flower,  the  fruit — how 
beautiful  each  in  their  own  time.  The 
change  from  one  to  the  other  so  quiet 
and  perfect,  the  last  the  fruition  of  the 
first. 


God  give  you  many  days,  and  may 
your  whole  iife  .be  spotless  and  pure, 
giving  beauty  through  all  the  changes, 
even  when  the  leaf  has  turned  brown 
and  the  fruit  has  ripened. 

If  we  could  see  ourselves  as  others 
see  us,  how  often  we  would  have  taken 
the  other  road. 


Loveliness  needs  not  the  aid  of  for- 
eign adornment. 

Do  all  the  good  you  can, 

To  all  the  people  you  can. 

In  all  the  ways  you  can. 

Just  as  long  as  you  can. 


26 


ALBUM  VERSES, 


To  persevere  in  one’s  duty  and  be 
silent,  is  the  best  answer  to  calumny. 

Get  but  the  truth  once  uttered,  and  ’tis 
• like 

A star  newtborn,  that  drops  into  its 
place, 

And  which,  once  circling  in  its  placid 
sound, 

Not  all  the  tumult  of  the  earth  can 
shake. 


Thanks  to  the  human  heart  by  which 
we  live. 

Thanks  to  its  tenderness,  its  joys  and 
fears ; 

To  me  the  meanest  flower  that  blows 
can  give 

Thoughts  that  do  often  lie  too  deep 
for  tears. 


True  friends  are  like  diamonds, 

Precious  but  rare. 

False  ones  like  Autumn  leaves, 

Found  everywhere. 

Remember  there  is  no  spot  in  the 
universe  to  which  you  can  retreat  from' 
your  influence  upon  others. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


27 


Love  thyself  last ; cherish  those  hearts 
that  hate  thee ; 

Corruption  wins  not  more  than  honesty. 

Still  in  thy  right  hand  carry  gentle 
peace, 

To  silence  envious  tongues.  Be  just, 
and  fear  not. 

Let  all  the  ends  thou  aim’st  at  be  thy 
country’s, 

Thy  God’s,  and  truth’s. 

Worlds  may  pass  away  and  perish, 
Every  feeling  die  away. 

But  the  constant  love  I cherish, 

Never  shall  decay. 

No.  Rest  is  not  quitting 
This  busy  career; 

Rest  is  the  fitting 
Of  self  to  its  sphere. 

It  is  the  brook’s  motive 
All  clear  without  strife; 

’Tis  fleeting  to  ocean. 

Beyond  this  brief  life. 

’Tis  loving  and  serving 
The  highest  and  best; 

’Tis  onward,  unswerving, 

And  this  is  true  rest. 


28 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Long  on  thy  cheeks  may  roses  bloom, 
And  all  the  charms  which  health  be* 
speak; 

But  longer  still  thy  gentle  breast, 

Be  ever  Virtue’s  lovely  seat. 


I write  these  simple  lines  for  thee, 

Whene’er  you  see  them  think  of  me. 

There  is  a plant  that  never  dies, 

’Tis  not  of  eartlg  but  Heaven; 

’Tis  tinged  with  pure  celestial  dyes. 

Its  odors  wafted  to  the  skies 
By  breeze  a tempest  driven. 

’Tis  not  a tender  fragile  thing, 

It  strengthens  in  the  storm. 

And  midst  the  dreary  waste 

It  stands,  a soul  inspiring  form. 

’Tis  thine,  Friendship,  thine. 

No  rubies  on  the  Indian  shore 
Outshine  thy  noble  mind; 

Its  radiance  far  exceeds  them  all. 
And  blesses  human  kind. 

A heart  of  heavenly  purity 
Is  laid  within  thy  breast; 

And  ever  for  the  weary  soul, 

It  breathes  some  tone  of  rest. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


2g 


May  it  be  your  pleasure  to  cultivate 
those  virtues  which  so  gracefully  adorn 
the  character  of  a true  woman  and 
serves  as  a beacon  light  to  those  who 
are  beneath  and  weaker  than  you. 

Life  is  the  bright  dream  of  youth 
and  the  reality  of  age. 

If  we  pnly  do  all  the  good  we  can, 
Though  our  ways  lie  far  asunder, 

If  our  souls  grow  purer  and  our  lives 
more  grand. 

We  shall  surely  meet  up  yonder. 

I most  sincerely  wish  that  you 
May  have  many  friends,  and  who. 

No  matter  what  you  are  passing 
through. 

Will  stick  as 'close  as  good  strong  glue. 

Life’s  a jest  and  all  things  show  it, 

I thought  so  once,  and  now  I know  it 

He  who  complies  against  his  will 
Is  of  his  own  opinion  still. 

On  the  battlefield  of  life 
May  you  more  than  victor  be. 


30 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


While  God’s  blessings  are  being  show- 
ered so  freely  upon  humanity 
May  a goodly  portion  fall  on  thee. 

On  the  last  leaf  I write  my  name, 

And  though  the  last,  still  may  it  claim 
The  tribute  of  a thought. 

After  more  worthy  friends  receive 
The  attention  you  to  each  would  give, 
I pray  forget  me  not. 

— ^ 

The  spirit  which  you  possess  is  from 
above — pure,  gentle,  and  kind.  May  it 
always  be  watered  from  above  and  re- 
freshed by  the  gentle  streams  which  How 
from  that  fountain  proceeding  from  the 
throne  of  God. 

And  as  the  waters,  rivers  and  stream- 
lets run  into  the  ocean,  and  centre  there, 
to  swell  the  unfathomable  depths,  so 
may  the  fruits  of  thy  spirit  run,  and 
centre  in  God. 

Be  careful  of  it  for  it  v/ill  sweeten 
life’s  bitterest  cup. 


As  you  travel  through  life,  scatter 
kind  words  and  gentle  deeds ; in  so  do- 
ing, you  will  enrich  your  souk  With- 
hold them,  and  it  tends  to  poverty. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


3i 


These  little  souvenirs  possess  not 
their  greatest  value  when  first  written  ; 
but  as  time,  with  scythe  in  hand,  passes 
along,  and  we  are  left  standing,  we  are 
not  the  same,  but  these  lines  remain. 
Some,  to  cheer  the  saddened  by  awak- 
ening slumbering  memories  of  better 
things ; and  others  serving  as  guide- 
boards  on  the  road  to  eternity. 

May  your  life  be  like  the  day — more 
beautiful  in  the  evening;  like  the  sum- 
mer— aglow  with  promise  ; and,  like  the 
autumn,  rich  with  the  golden  sheaves, 
where  good  works  and  deeds  have 
ripened  on  the  field. 

Let  the  road  be  rough  and  dreary, 

And  its  end  far  out  of  sight ; 

Foot  it  bravely — strong  or  weary  ; — 
Trust  in  God,  and  do  the  right. 

Life  is  but  a day  at  best. 

Sprung  from  night — in  darkness  lost; 
Hope  not  sunshine  every  hour; 

Fear  not — clouds  will  always  lower. 

Know  how  sublime  a thing  it  is 
To  suffer  and  be  strong. 


32 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Will  one  wandering  thought  of  thine 
Rest  its  rapid  flight  on  me? 

Or  to  forgetfulness  consign 

The  friend  that  loves  to  think  of  thee. 
Ah  ! sure  thy  fancy  oft  will,  dwell 

On  scenes  which  once  were  dear  to 
thee, 

And  when  these  lines  you  chance  to 
read, 

You  smiling  will  remember  me. 

Press  on  ! our  life  is  not  a dream — 
Though  often  such  its  mazes  seem. 

W e were  not  born  to  live  at  ease— 
Ourselves  alone  to  aid  and  please. 

To  each  a daily  task  is  given  ; 

A labor  that  shall  fit  for  heaven, 

When  duty  calls — let  love^row  warm. 
Amid  the  sunshine  or  the  storm. 

With  faith — life’s  trials  boldly  breast, 
Then  come  a conqueror  to  thy  rest. 

Meanness  shun,  and  all  its  train ; 
Goodness  seek,  and  life  is  gain. 

If  I wake,  or  if  I sleep,- 
Still  the  memory  I keep 
Of  the  tender  light  that  lies 
In  the  depths  of  those  brown  eyes. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


33 


Be  blessings  scattered  o’er  thy  way, 

My  gladsome,  joyous,  laughing  sprite; 
Be  thy  whole  life  one  summer’s  day 
Without  the  night. 


Trust  not  the  world:  It  hath  a smile 
And  sunny  garniture  of  bloom. 
Which  charms  the  eye  a little  while. 
And  bids  the  soul  forget  the  tomb ; 
The  pomp  and  pageantry  it  wears 
To  lure  the  spirit  from  its  God, 

Are  crossed  by  doubt  and  dimmed  by 
care 

And  scourged  by  stern  affliction’s  rod. 


Oft  as  thine  eye  shall  fondly  trace 
These  simple  lines  I sketch  for  thee, 
Whate’er  the  time,  where’er  the  place, 
O think  of  me. 

When  pleasure  sparkles  in  thine  eye. 
And  every  scene  is  fair  to  see. 

When  swift  away  the  moments  fly, 

O then  remember  me. 


Whate’er  may  be  my  future  lot  in 
life-— or  dark  orbrio-ht — sweet  thoughts 

o o 

of  thee  will  come  as  welcome  guesis 
with  each  revolving  hour ; and  as  I 


34 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


trace  on  memory’s  tablet  the  impression 
lair  of  thine  untiring'  care,  thy  watch- 
iiil  love,  thy  kind  forbearance  to  an- 
other’s faults,  my  heart  will  yearn  for 
thee,  and  for  the  tried  affection. 


If  ever  love’s  fondest  prayer  brought 
blessings  from  on  high,  thou  shalt  be 
blessed.  Friend!  farewell  I To  him 
on  whom  thy  cheerful  hope  relies, 
whose  arm  sustains  thee,  and  whose 
promise  soothes — my  faith  commends 
thee — may’st  thou  still  receive  grace 
for  grace,  and  love  for  love ; and  guid- 
ance through  this  wilderness  of  tears  I 
till  thou  possess  thy  Crown  of  Life, 

On  this  leaf.  In  memory  prest. 

May  my  name  forever  rest. 

On  this  page  I’ll  write. 

Simply  to  indite 
My  name  as  your  friend. 

tSut  well  thou  play’d’st  the  housewife’s 
part. 

And  all  thy  threads  with  magic  art 
Have  wound  themselves  about  this 
heart. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


35 


Cling  to  those  who  cling  to  you, 

In  the  end  there’d  be  but  precious  few 
When  they  are  tried  and  true  ; 

So  cling'  to  those  who  cling  to  you. 


Dear  girl,  I will  write  In  thy  book  one 
line, 

’Tis  only  to  show  you  my  friendship  is 
thine  ; 

As  long  as  my  heart  in  my  bosom  shall 
beat. 

The  throb  of  pure  friendship  for  thee 
’twill  repeat. 


Farewell;  how  oft  that  sound  of  sad- 
ness. 

Like  thorns  of  sorrow  pierce  the  heart, 
And  hush  the  harp  tones  of  Its  gladness, 
And  tear  the  bleeding  chords  apart. 

Farewell ! and  if  by  distance  parted 
We  see  each  other’s  face  no  more. 

Ah  ! may  we  with  the  faithful-hearted 
Meet  beyond  this  parting  shore. 


Hours  are  golden  links,  God’s  token. 
Reaching  heaven  but  one  by  one. 
Take  them  lest  the  charm  be  broken 
Ere  the  pilgrimage  be  done. 


35 


album  verses. 


Be  content  with  thy  lot, 
Though  it  may  be  small, 
Each  must  have  their  share, 
One  cannot  have  it  all. 


Industry  is  fortune’s  right  hand, 
And  frugality  its  companion. 

And  thou,  too,  whosoe’er  thou  art. 
That  readest  this  brief  psalm. 

As  one  by  one  thy  hopes  depart. 
Be  resolute  and  calm. 


May  your  coffee  and  slanders  against 
you  be  ever  the  same— without  grounds. 

May  thy  life  happy  be. 

Is  my  dear  wish  for  thee. 

It  never  pays  to  fret  and  growl 
When  fortune  seems  our  foe, 

The  better  bred  will  push  ahead 
And  strike  the  braver  blow; 

For  luck  is  work. 

And  those  who  shirk 
Should  not  lament  their  doom. 

But  yield  the  play. 

And  clear  the  way, 

That  better  men  have  room. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


37 


All  the  paths  of  faith,  tho’  severed  wide, 
O’er  which  the  feet  of  prayerful  rever- 
ence pass, 

Meet  ^t  the  gate  of  Paradise  at  last. 


Desire  not  to  live  long,  but  well ; 

How  long  we  live,  not  years,  but 
actions,  tell. 


A beautiful  life  ends  not  in  death. 
Friendship  above  all  ties  doth  bind  the 
heart. 

And  faith  in  friendship  is  the  noblest 
part. 


There  is  a bright  and  precious  gem. 
Lovely  to  behold ; 

’Tis  seldom  seen,  and  mostly  when 
We  feel  we  are  growing  old. 

Contentment  is  that  little  gem, 

And  if  you  have  it  not. 

Take  and  cherish  it,  and  then 
Happy  be  thy  lot. 

As  hope  is  the  anchor  of  the  soul 
he  is  wise  that  is  honest. 


Scorn  to  do  a mean  action. 


38 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


The  sweetest  pleasures  are  the  soon- 
est gone.  Do  nothing  without  design. 

Age  and  youth  both  have  their  dreams. 
Youth  looks  at  the  possible,  age  at  the 
probable. 

You  will  profit  much  by  learning  the 
luxury  of  doing  good. 

As  perfume  is  to  the  rose,  so  is  good 
nature  to  the  lovely. 

Oh,  never  can  we  know  how  dear 

Each  loved  one  is,  till  we  have  known 
The  deep  regret,  the  bitter  tear. 

That  comes  when  those  loved  ones 
are  gone. 

Useful  and  steady  may  thy  life  proceed, 
Mild  every  word. 

Good-natured  every  deed. 

Never  with  one  thou  lovest  contend, 
But  bear  a thousand  frailties 
From  your  friend. 

Remember  me  is  all  I ask, 
ywd,  if  remembrance  be  a task, 

Forget  me. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


39 


Farewell!  perhaps  forever, 

Beloved  one  adieu! 

Wilt  thou  this  token  please  to  take, 
And  keep  it  long  for  friendship’s  sake; 
And  when  these  lines  you  chance  to  see, 
Remember,  that  they  came  from  me. 

Round  went  the  autograph;  hither  It 
came. 

For  me  to  write  in;  so  here’s  my 
name. 


Old  friends  and  true  friends! 

Don’t  talk  to  me  of  new  friends; 

The  old  are  the  best. 

Who  stand  the  test. 

Who  book  their  name  as  through 
friends. 


We  meet  and  part — the  world  is  wide; 
We  journey  onward  side  by  side 
A little  while,  and  then  again 
Our  paths  diverge.  A little  pain — 

A silent  yearning  of  the  heart 
For  what  has  grown  of  life  apart; 

A shadow  passing  o’er  the  sun, 

Then  gone,  and  light  again  has  come. 
We  meet  and  part,  and  then  forget; 
And  life  holds  blessings  for  us  yet. 


40 


AI.15UM  VERSES. 


When  things  don't  go  to  suit  you, 
And  the  world  seems  upside  down. 
Don’t  waste  your  time  in  fretting, 

But  drive  away  the  frown. 


Passing  through  life’s  field  of  action, 
Lest  we  part  before  its  end. 

Take  within  your  modest  volume. 

This  memento  from  a friend. 


It  never  pays  to  wreck  the  health 
In  drudging  after  gain; 

And  he  is  sold  who  thinks  that  gold 
The  cheapest  bought  with  pain 
An  humble  lot, 

A cosey  cot, 

Have  tempted  even  kings; 

For  station  high. 

That  wealth  will  buy. 

Not  oft  contentment  brings. 

The  world  is  full  of  fools, 

And  he  who  would  none  view, 
Must  shut  himself  in  a cave. 

And  break  his  mirror,  too. 


Friendship,  thou  gift  of  heavenly  birth 

Misused,  nay  more profaned on 

earth. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


4t 


Methinks  long  years  have  flown, 

And,  sitting  in  her  old  arm-chair, 

has  older  grown. 

With  silver  sprinkled  in  her  hair. 
Her  album  thus  she  holds. 

And  turns  its  many  pages  o’er, 

And  wonders  if  it  still  contains 
The  memories  of  yore. 

As  o’er  these  pages  thus  she  runs, 

With  many  a sigh  and  kiss. 

Then  suddenly  she  stops  and  says, 
“Who  could  have  written  this  ?” 

, life  is  all  before  you, 

Stretched  out  in  its  misty  sheen. 

And  the  future,  though  now  hidden. 
Holds  much  joy  for  thee,  I ween. 
Why,  then,  seek  to  know  what’s  coming 
It  is  forming  day  by  day. 

But  your  heart,  in  blind  out-reaching. 
Makes  to-morrow  of  to-day. 

“Life  is  real — life  is  earnest; 

And  the  heroine  in  the  strife 
Is  the  one  who  leaves  the  future — 
Living  but  the  present  life — 

Lives  it  truly,  nobly,  grandly. 

Thus  prepares  for  coming  fate, 
Strives  to  make  her  living  perfect; — ■ 
Learns  to  labor  and  to  wait. 


42 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


The  violet  is  for  faithfulness, 
Which  in  me  shall  abide; 
Hoping,  likewise,  from  your  heart. 
You  will  not  let  it  slide. 


This  is  thine  album.  May  it  be 
A source  of  happiness  to  thee. 

And  may  each  page  that’s  written  o’er. 
Be  better  than  the  one  before. 


Perform  your  duties  without  fear, 

Will  make  your  pathway  bright  and 
clear; 

Falter,  stop,  and  leave  undone, 

W'h  make  it  like  the  clouded  sun. 


Some  folks  are  constantly  wishing, 

I could  never  get  much  for  a wish. 
But  should  you  ever  go  a fishing, 

May  i^our  net  be  will  filled  with  fish. 

Happiness;  a phantom  all  are  seek- 
ihg,  few  can  find. 

On  this  page  of  your  album  I scribble. 
Now,  remember,  no  critic  must  see, 
But  once  in  awhile  peep  at  it  yourself, 
Then  remember  ’twas  scribbled  by 
me. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  you  always  have  a full  share, 

With  a surplus  on  the  shelf, 

And  ever  be  ready  to  share 

With  those  who  have  less  than 
yourself. 


In  this  world  of  change  and  sorrow, 
when  shall  we  meet  again  ? 


May  you  always  have  enough  and 
plenty  for  each  day. 

May  you  never  have  enough  to  waste 
or  throw  away, 

May  you  live  long  enough  your  debts 
to  pay, 

May  you  never  live  so  long  as  to  be  in 
other  people’s  way. 


If  I should  make  a wish  for  you  it 
would  be  this:  I wish  you  a large  share 
of  success  in  your  pursuit  of  happiness  ; 
may  your  efforts  in  the  direction  of 
right  bring  abundant  reward.  I would 
not  wish  your  pathway  to  be  over  flow- 
ers only  ; God  made  the  rose  and  thorn 
to  go  together;  let  us  not  separate  them, 
but  with  you  may  the  roses  be  many 
and  the  thorns  few. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


44 


The  little  bee  so  silently 

Gathers  honey  from  the  flower. 

So  may  you  as  quietly 

Find  pleasure  in  each  hour. 

May  your  life  be  as  bright  as  the  stars 
of  the  night, 

And  of  the  sun  whose  light  always 
dazzles  the  sight ; 

May  you  never  lose  sight,  sure  as  black 
is  not  white. 

Of  the  fact  that  the  right  will  always 
make  might. 

Twilight  lets  the  curtain  down. 

And  pins  it  with  a star. 

’Tis  beauty  that  doth  make  woman 
proud, 

’Tis  virtue  that  doth  make  her  most 
admired, 

’Tis  modesty  that  makes  her  seem 
divine. 


As  sunshine  and  rain,  pleasure  and 
pain. 

Each  day  on  some  must  fall. 

So  the  wise  thing  to  do,  if  we  only  knew, 
Is  to  make  the  best  of  it  all. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


45 


One  long  sweet  spring  be  thine 
With  buds  still  bursting  forth, 

Fresh  blossoms  every  hour, 

And  verdure  fair  and  new. 

Peace  be  thy  gentle  guest, 

Peace,  holy  and  divine, 

God’s  blessed  sunlight  still 
Upon  thy  pathway  shine. 

How  gay  and  how  happy,  how  charm- 
ing and  fair 

Are  these  sweet  little  songsters  that  fly 
through  the  air; 

With  sweet  rolling  carols  they  glide 
in  their  glee, 

Whatever  their  lot,  they  are  happy  and 
free. 

May  your  life  be  as  theirs,  ever  happy 
and  bright. 

With  a heart  and  a face  to  shed  sun- 
shine and  light ; 

When  with  one  you  shall  meet — fondest 
joy  of  your  life. 

You  should  love  him  and  make  him  a 
happy,  good  wife. 

Whoever  thinks  a faultless  piece  to  see, 

Thinks  what  ne’er  was,  nor  is,  nor  ne’er 
can  be. 


46 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Shall  I tell  you  of  an  evening 

When  the  snow  lay  on  the  ground, 
When  the  wintry  wind  was  silent, 

And  the  sky  w-ith  stars  was  crowned  1 
When  the  parlor  looued  so  pleasant, 
And  the  world  to  me  so  bright. 

As  we  sat  together  dreaming 
In  the  flick’ring  firelight? 

Nay,  I will  not,  for  it  may  be 

That  your  own  heart  longeth  sore 
For  the  olden  time  caresses 

From  the  one  who  comes  no  more ; 
r or,  perhaps,  you  have  your  sorrow 
Buried  deep  within  your  breast ; 
And,  perhaps,  you  have  your  moments 
When  your  spirit  cries  for  rest. 

’Tis  sweet  to  be  remembered. 


In  the  course  of  our  reading  we  should 
lay  up  in  our  minds  a store  of  goodly 
thoughts  in  well-wrought  words,  which 
shall  be  a living  treasure  of  knowledge 
always  with  us,  and  from  which,  at 
various  times,  and  am.idst  all  the  shift- 
ing circumstances,  we  might  be  sure  of 
drawing  ^ome  comfort,  guidance  and 
sympathy. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


47 


Joy’s  opening  buds,  affection’s  glowing 
flowers, 

Once  lightly  sprang  within  thy  beam- 
ing track. 

O ! life  was  beautiful  in  those  lost 
hours ! 

And  yet  you  cannot  wish  to  wander 
back ; 

Nay!  thou  may’st  love  in  loneliness  to 
think 

On  pleasures  past,  though  never  more 
to  be ; 

Hope  links  thee  to  the  future,  but  the 
link 

That  binds  thee  to  the  past  is  memory. 

Sweet  is  the  hour  that  brings  us  home. 

Where  all  wilf  spring  to  meet  us. 
Whose  hands  are  striving  as  we  come 

To  be  the  first  to  greet  us. 

When  the  world  has  spent  its  frowns 
And  wrath. 

And  cares  are  sorely  pressing, 

'Tis  sweet  to  turn  from  our  roving  path, 

And  find  a fireside  blessing. 

Keep  to  the  right  as  you  are  passing 
along,  giving  your  neighbor  full  half 
of  the  road. 


48 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Bright  sunny  hope,  thy  radiant  beam 
Smiles  sweetly  on  life’s  troubled  dream. 


May  humble  hope  your  portion  be, 
'Till  launched  into  eternity. 


Like  the  unsullied  little  dew-drop, 
Shining  brightly  in  the  sun. 
With  heaven’s  brightest  colors, 
Softly  blending  into  one, 

A pure  and  spotless  woman 
Man’s  love  has  always  won  ; 
The  blending  of  her  virtues 
Is  a diamond  in  the  sun. 


Dear , at  thy  wish  I write. 

And  in  this  book  some  thought  indite, 
I scarce  know  what — a wish  sincere 
.Some  lonely  moment  of  thine  to  cheer, 
May  every  lasting  joy  be  thine. 
Refulgent  virtue  round  thee  shine. 

Wilt  thou  revere  the  winding  road 
Which  leads  beyond  to  a.  bright  abode, 
That  when  thy  journeys  here  are  o’er, 
iVill  meet  again  on  the  eternal  shore. 

Worthy  to  love,  fondly  .o  devote  our- 
selves to  the  happiness  of  another  who 


ALBUM  VtfRSES. 


49 


deserves  our  highest  regard,  is  not 
condemned. by  religion;  it  is  not  even  a 
weakness  which  it  permits  or  deplores, 
but  a virtue  which  it  sanctions  and  com- 
mends. 

The  heart  that  is  deceived  or  be- 
trayed need  not  augment  its  anguish 
by  self-reproach. 

Love  is  not  an  innocent  but  a noble 
passion.  When  guided  by  principle  it 
is  the  gem  of  all  social  virtues — -the 
cement  and  solace  of  the  virtuous  rela- 
tions of  the  human  life. 

When  rewarded  with  the  hallowed 
possession  of  its  object,  it  strews  the 
path  of  duty  with  flowers,  but  when  un- 
fortunate and  ill-requited,  it  becomes  so 
absorbed  in  high  and  holy  principles, 
investing  resignation  with  unwonted 
sublimity,  and  extracting  from  earthly 
disappointment  the  calmer  satisfaction 
of  heavenly  hope.  The  process  by 
which  it  is  thus  transformed  may  im- 
pair the  frail  tenement  which  enshrines 
it;  and  the  dross  of  mortality,  in  such  a 
furnace,  may  melt  away  into  its  kindred 
earth.  But  the  unrobed  spirit  returns 
to  God  who  gave  it,  and  at  last  enjoys 
repose  where  it  first  derived  existence. 


50 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


That  every  kindly  wish  and  thought, 
By  friends  expressed  within  these 
pages, 

Be  yours,  and  trials  common  ta  us  all. 
May  cross  your  path  by  “easy  stages,” 

Remember  me  when  far  av/ay, 

And  only  half  awake; 

Remember  me  on  your  wedding  day, 
And  send  a slice  of  cake. 


When  worth  and  beauty  prompt  the 
line. 

Perhaps  a pen  as  poor  as  mine 
May  be  forgiven 

To  try  and  write  of  things  divine, 

And  think  of  heaven! 

But  pause,  rash  verse!  and  don’t  abuse 
A bashful  maiden’s  ear  with  news 
Of  her  own  beauty! 

And  yet  no  other  theme  I’ll  choose. 

Or  think  a duty! 

So,  then,  for  fear  I might  offend, 
ril  say,  God  bless  her!—‘&XiA  thus  end. 

is  your  name. 

Single  is  your  station. 

Happy  be  the  little  man 
That  makes  the  alteration. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


51 


The  earth  can  boast  no  purer  tie. 

No  brighter,  richer  gem, 

No  jewel  of  a lovelier  dye. 

Than  Friendship’s  diadem. 

Then  may  this  ray  of  light  divine, 
Ne’er  from  our  bosoms  fade; 
But  may  it  oa  our  pathway  shine. 
Till  death  our  hearts  invade. 


’Tis  a terrible  fate,  my  dear  miss. 

To  be  asked  to  write  in  a book  like  this; 
For,  scratch  my  head  as  hard  as  I may — ■ 
Fve  such  a skull — 

And  if  I try  to  moralize. 

Or  vent  my  thoughts  in  sentiment. 
Or  attempt  to  laud  you  to  the  skies. 

Or  spread  myself  on  compliment, 

Fm  so  awful  dull. 

That  my  efforts  would  prove  futility; 
For  the  sex  of  your  kind,  are  of  that 
turn  of  mind. 

That  morals,  verse  and  flattery. 

Have  to  you  been  so  oft  defined. 

You  are  full. 

If  rhyming  I try,  adorable  Miss, 

The  first  I think  of,  is  dear  little  Kiss. 
Or  some  such  nonsense  as  connubial 
bliss, 


53 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Or  changing  your  title  “Mrs.”  from 
“Miss;” 

But  that’s  prosaical. 

To  give  you  advice  I’d  never  pre- 
sume;— 

Incompetence  may  be  the  reason  for 
that; — 

To  wish  you  long  life  and  a blest  happy 
home 

Is  aged  and  stale,  exhausted  and  flat, 
And  excruciatingly  formal.  ■ 
Now,  what  to  do  I do  not  know. 

Or  how  to  make  my  paragraph  ; 

So  I’ll  doff  my  hat,  and  make  my  bow 
And  send  this  as  my  autograph. 

May  there  be  just  clouds  enough  o’er 
your  life  to  cause  a glorious  sunset. 

Thy  cheerful,  gentle  ways,  I do  admire; 
Thy  future  to  be  happy  I greatly 
desire ; 

Thy  trusting  confidence,  may  I require; 
Thy  firm  friend  to  be,  will  I aspire. 

In  memory’s  wreath  may  one  bud  be 
entwined  for  me. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


53 


Oh ! love  is  such  a strange  affair , 
So  strange  to  all. 

It  cometh  from  above 
And  lighteth  like  a dove 

On  some. 

But  some  it  never  hits 
Unless  it  gives  them  fits. 

Oh,  hum. 


As  a slight  token  of  esteem, 
Accept  these  lines  from  me ; 

So  plain  and  simple,  they  do  seem 
Unworthy  such  as  thee. 

But  soon  these  traced  lines  will  fade 
And  disappear — ’tis  their  doom. 
May  you,  unlike  them,  be  arrayed 
In  a perpetual  bloom. 


54 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


MI30ELiljHNE@a^. 

In  times  of  prosperity  our  friends  are 
m.any, 

But  the  time  of  adversity  tries  and 
proves  them. 

Gems  of  price  are  deeply  hidden, 
’Neath  the  rugged  rocks  concealed; 

What  would  ne’er  come  forth  unbidden, 
To  thy  search  may  be  revealed. 

If  recollections  of  friends  brighten 
moments  of  sadness. 

What  a fund  of  delight  is  here  treas- 
ured for  thee ! 

If  advice  and  kind  wishes  bring  good- 
ness and  gladness. 

How  perfect  and  happy  thy  future 
must  be. 


May  e’en  thy  failings  lean  to  virtue’s 
side. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


55 


While  the  fading  flowers  of  pleasure, 
Spring  spontaneous  from  the  soil ; 
Thou  wilt  find  the  harvest’s  treasure 
Yields  alone  to  patient  toil. 

The  tissues  of  the  Life  to  be — 

We  weave  with  colors  all  our  own, 
And  in  the  field  of  Destiny, 

We  reap  as  we  have  sown. 

There  is  seldom  a line  of  glory  writ- 
ten upon  earth’s  face,  but  a line  of 
suffering  runs  parallel  with  it ; and  they 
that  read  the  lustrous  syllables  of  the 
one,  and  stoop  not  to  decipher  the 
spotted  and  worn  inscription  of  the 
other,  get  the  least  half  of  the  lesson 
that  earth  has  to  give. 

How  beautiful  your  book,  from  end 
to  end. 

And  every  page  a room  to  lodge  a 
friend  ; 

Fain  would  I enter  with  a seemly  grace, 
Attired  and  mannered  as  befits  the 
place ; 

But  best  endeavor  falls  below  the  aim 
,\nd  rests  at  last,  content  to  leave  a 
name. 


56 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Hours  are  golden  links — God’s  token — • 

Reaching  heaven  but  one  by  one; 

Take  them,  lest  the  chain  be  broken 

Ere  thy  pilgrimage  be  done. 

The  brave  man  is  not  he  who  feels  no 
fear, 

For  that  were  stupid  and  irrational ; 

But  he  whose  noble  soul  its  fears 
subdues, 

And  bravely  dares  the  danger  nature 
shrinks  from. 


Fling  wide  the  portals  of  your  heart ! 
Make  it  a temple  set  apart 
From  earthly  use,  for  Heaven’s  em- 
ploy—_ 

Adorned  with  prayer  and  love  and  joy ; 
So  shall  your  Sovereign  enter  in 
And  new  and  noble  life  begin. 

We  could  count  time  by  heart-throbs; 
he  most  lives  who  thinks  most,  speaks 
the  noblest,  acts  the  best. 


We  ourselves  shape  the  joys  and  fears 
Of  which  the  life  to  come  is  made. 
And  fill  our  future  atmosphere 
With  sunshine  or  with  shades 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


57 


When  the  name  that  I write  here  is 
dim  on  the  page, 

And  the  leaves  of  your  album  are  yellow 
with  age, 

Still  think  of  me  kindly,  and  do  not 
forget 

That,  wherever  I am,  I remember  you 
yet. 

The  massive  gates  of  circumstance 
Are  turned  upon  the  slightest  hinge, 

And  thus  some  seeming  pettiest  chance. 
Oft  gives  the  life  its  after  tinge. 

Oh,  for  a home  in  Zululand,  or  Arctic 
regions  cold, 

A peasant’s  cot  or  hermit’s  hut,  midst 
solitude  untold. 

With  Kaffirs  or  with  Hottentots,  in 
Egypt  or  Leone — 

'Twere  bliss  to  live  in  any  spot  where 
albums  are  unknown. 


In  the  golden  chain  of  friendship  re- 
gard me  as  a link. 

Some  write  for  pleasure,  some  write 
for  fame. 

But  I write  simply  to  sign  my  name. 


58 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Meanness  shun  and  all  its  train  , 
Goodness  seek  and  life  is  gain. 

Strive  to  keep  the  “Golden  Rule,” 
And  learn  your  lessons  well  at  school. 

Those  that  want  friends  must  show 
themselves  friendly. 

If  you  have  found  the  “pearl  of 
great  price,”  all  the  bliss  of  heaven 
will  be  yours. 

Remember  me  when  “far,  far  off. 
Where  the  woodchucks  die  of  whooping 
cough.” 

He  is  a coward  who  will  not  turn  back, 
When  first  he  discovers  he’s  on  the 
wrong  track. 

May  that  love  which  has  always  ex- 
isted grow  stronger. 

A little  body  often  harbors  a great 
soul. 


Yours  sincerely,  in  the  bonds  of  friend- 
ship. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


59 


Apply  thine  heart  unto  knowledge. 

What  you  do,  do  with  your  might. 

Think  much,  speak  little,  write  with 
care. 


N ot  to  go  back  is  somewhat  to  advance. 

Be  good,  do  good,  and  you  will  be 
happy. 

A smooth  sea  never  made  a skillful 
mariner. 


Drop  one  pearl  in  memory’s  casket  for 
your  friend. 

A good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen 
than  great  riches. 

Bow  down  thine  ear,  and  hear  the 
words  of  the  wise. 


That  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the 
Lord  unto  all  pleasing,  being  beautiful 
in  every  good  work,  and  increasing  in 
the  knowledge  of  God,  is  the  wish  of 
your  friend. 


6g 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


There  are  three  lessons  I would  write, 
Three  words’ as  with  a burning  pen 
In  tracings  of  eternal  light 
Upon  the  hearts  of  friends. 

Have  Hope.  Though  clouds  environ 
now 

And  gladness  hides  her  face  in  scorn, 
Put  thou, the  shadow  from  thy  brow; 
No  night  but  hath  its  morn. 

Have  Faith.  Where’er  thy  bark  is 
driven. 

The  calm’s  disport,  the  tempest’s 
mirth — 

Know  this.  God  rules  the  hosts  of 
heaven. 

The  inhabitants  of  earth. 

H ave  Love ; and  not  alone  for  one. 

But  man  as  man  thy  brother  call, 
And  scatter  like  the  circling  sun, 

Thy  charities  on  all. 

Thus  grave  these  lessons  on  thy  soul: 
Hope,  Faith  and  Love;  and  thou 
shalt  find 

Strength  when  life’s  surges  cease  to  roll. 
Light  where  thou  else  wert  blind. 

Let  your  life  be  like  a snowflake, 
which  leaves  a mark,  but  not  a stain. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


6i 


Within  this  book  so  pure  and  white, 
Let  none  but  friends  presume  to  write; 
And  may  each  line  with  friendship  given, 
Direct  the  reader’s  thoughts  to  heaven. 

Leaf  green  on  ground  of  white. 

My  name,  I fain  would  write 
That  you  remember  still 
In  June  or  in  December  chill. 

We  two  are  friends. 


Oh,  wayward  mortal  who  these  books 
invented. 

Why  wast  thou  not  by  some  kind  hand 
prevented  ? 

And  thereby  kept  from  many  a luckless 
swain. 

The  direful  knowledge  that  he  lacked 
a brain — 

Lacked  it,  at  least,  where  poetry  was 
needed. 

Like  the  poor  wight  who  here  has  not 
succeeded. 


The  large  are  not  the  sweetest  flowers ; 
The  long  are  not  the  happiest  hours; 
Much  talk  doth  not  much  friendship 
tell ; 

Few  words  are  best — I wish  you  well. 


62 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Through  days  of  doubt  and  darkness, 
In  fear  and  trembling  breath, 
Through  mists  of  sin  and  sorrow, 

In  tears  and  grief  and  death  ; 

Through  days  of  light  and  gladness, 
Through  days  of  love  and  life, 
Through  smiles  and  joy  and  sunshine, 
Through  days  with  beauty  rife  ; 

The  Lord  of  life  and  glory, 

The  king  of  earth  and  sea. 

The  Lord  who  guarded  Israel ; 

Keep  watch,  sweet  friend,  o’er  thee. 


Truth — Freedom — Virtue — these  have 
power ; 

If  rightly  cherished,  to  uphold,  sustain. 
And  bless  thy  spirit,  in  its  darkest  hoar. 


Thy  own  trim,  modest  form. 

Is  always  neatly  clad. 

Thou  surely  will  make  the  tidiest,  wife 
That  ever  husband  had. 


A.mong  the  many  friends  who  claim 
A kind  remembrance  in  thy  heart. 
I too,  would  add  my  simple  name, 
Among  the  rest. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


63 


To  knit  and  spin  was  once  a girl’s 
employment ; 

But  now  to  dress  and  have  a beau  is 
all  the  girl’s  enjoyment. 

To  fear  no  ill,  to  do  no  wrong  to  all 
men,  to  prove  true — 

1 his  is  the  “ golden  rule”  of  life  ; let  it 
be  so  to  you. 

Is  it  vain  in  life’s  wide  sea. 

To  ask  you  to  remember  me? 
Undoubtedly  it  is  my  lot. 

Just  to  be  known  and  then — forgot. 

O no  ' The  heart,  which  is  the  seat 
Of  love  like  mine,  can  never  rove ; 
Its  faithful  pulse  may  cease  to  beat. 

But  never — never  cease  to  love  : 

For  love  is  past  the  earth’s  control 
And  soaring  as  an  ocean  wave 
It  is  eternal  as  the  soul. 

And  lives  and  blooms  beyond  the 
' the  grave. 

It  is  a link  of  pleasure’s  chain, 

A never-ending  token. 

Whose  lustre  and  whose  strength  re- 
main. 

When  all  save  that  are  broken. 


64 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  God’s  mercy  ever  guide  thee, 
Safe  o'er  all  thy  thorny  road ; 

And  His  grace  whate’er  betide  thee, 
Lead  thee  home  to  His  abode. 


Begirt  with  roses  of  the  royal  June, 

A resurrected  day  swings  highest  morn 

In  every  year ; and  so  through  life  I 
pray 

May  never  failing  changes,  bring  their 
day, 

And  flames  of  love  in  swinging  censers 
rise 

While  all  thy  thoughts  leads  on  toward 
the  skies. 


, I’ll  write  a line  or  two 

On  this  fair  page  for  thee. 

And  though  I can’t  the  rest  outdo 
Yet,  this  must  do  for  me. 


I cannot  wish  thee  greater  joys. 
Than  others  here  expressed. 
But  I respond  with  every  power 
To  wish  thee  ever  blessed. 


■In  time  we  transact  business  for 
eternity ; whatever,  therefore,  we  do 
now,  should  be  done  well. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


65 


I’ll  pull  a bunch  of  buds  and  flowers, 
And  tie  a ribbon  round  them, 

If  you’ll  but  think  in  your  lonely  hours 
Of  the  little  friend  who  bound  them. 

So  here’s  your  bunch  of  buds  and 
flowers — 

And  here’s  the  ribbon  round  them. 
And  here  to  cheer  your  sadder  hours 
Is  the  little  friend  who  bound  them. 

“Forget  me  not”  when  far  away 
Amidst  a thoughtless  world  you  stray 
“ Forget  me  not  ” when  fools  would  win 
Your  footsteps  to  the  paths  of  sin. 

“ Forget  me  not”  when  urged  to  wrong 
By  fashions  and  temptations  strong. 

“ Forget  me  not  ” when  pleasure’s  snare 
Would  keep  you  from  the  house  of 
prayer. 

“Forget  me  not”  in  feeble  age. 

E’en  let  me  then  your  thoughts  engage. 
“Forget  me  not”  when  death  shall 
close 

These  eyelids  in  their  last  repose. 

And  murm’ring  breezes  softly  wave 
Perchance  the  grass  upon  my  grave. 
Whate’er  thy  age  and  lot  may  be. 

Long  as  thy  life  shall  last  remember 
me. 


66 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Friend!  Trust  not,  cling  not,  to  the 
hope 

Of  constancy  below. 

Earth’s  fragile  blossoms  smile  and  drop, 
Her  waters  ebb  and  flow. 

Yet  time  to  time  some  joys  may  blight, 
Some  finer  feelings  chill. 

But  may’st  thou  hold  one  hope  of  light 
Unchanged,  unclouded  still. 

The  hope  to  v/in  in  realms  above 
Of  bright  and  boundless  range, 

A world  of  constancy  and  love, 

A world  that  cannot  change. 

Small  service  is  true  service  while  it 
lasts  ; 

Of  friends,  however  humble,  scorn 
not  one: 

The  daisy,  by  the  shadow  that  it  casts, 
Protects  the  lingering  dew-drop  from 
the  sun. 


Every  hour  comes  to  us  charged  with 
duty,  and  the  moment  it  is  past  returns 
to  Heaven  to  register  itself  how  spent. 

There  is  a Divinity  that  shapes  our  ends. 
Rough-hew  them  how  we  will. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


67 


Make  good  use  of  time  if  thou  lovest 
eternity ; yesterday  cannot  be  recalled; 
to-morrow  cannot  be  secured  ; to-day 
only  is  thine,  which,  if  once  lost,  is  lost 
forever. 


May  each  thought  be  pure  and  sincere. 
Addressed  upon  these  spotless  pages; 
Reflections  fond,  they’ll  always  prove. 
Youthful  friend,  through  many  ages. 

They  who  have  light  in  themselves, 
will  not  revolve  as  satellites. 


Through  time  we’ll  change,  and  then, 
This  little  book  will  somewhat  bind 
us ; 

You’ll  take  it  up,  and  think  of  me. 

And  all  the  joys  we’ve  left  behind  us. 

As  the  shadow  of  the  sun  is  the 
largest  when  his  beams  are  lowest, 
so  we  are  always  least  when  we  make 
ourselves  the  greatest. 

Our  eyes  see  all  around  in  gloom  or 
glow. 

Hues  of  their  own,  fresh  borrowed  from 
the  heart. 


6S 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Acro.ss  the  page  of  spotless  white 
Friends  trail  the  pen,  and  in  our  sight 
Grow  precious  all  the  lines  they  write. 

As  for  some  white-sailed  ship  at  sea, 
So,  little  book,  my  watch  for  thee ; 
Return  with  freight  of  love  to  me. 


Wh}^  of  course,  I will  write 
Just  what  my  thoughts  may  indite. 

In  this,  your  leaves  of  affection; 

And  I hope  your  life  without  one  flaw. 
May  secure  a real  nice  mother-in-law, 
So  that  you  may  feel  no  dejection. 


Let  Fate  do  her  worst ; there  are 
relics  of  joy. 

Bright  dreams  of  the  past,  she  cannot 
destroy ; 

They  come  in  the  night-time  of  sorrow 
and  care. 

And  bring  back  the  features  that  joy 
used  to  wear. 

Like  the  vase,  in  which  roses  have  once 
been  distilled, 

You  may  break — you  may  shatter — the 
vase,  if  you  will ; 

But  the  scent  of  the  roses  will  hang 
round  it  still. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


If  you  wish  success  in  life  make  per- 
severance your  bosom  friend,  experi- 
ence your  wise  counsel,  caution  youf 
elder  brother,  and  hope  your  guardian 
genius. 

Count  that  day  lost  whose  low  descend- 
ing sun 

Views  from  thy  hand  no  worthy  action 
done. 


’Tis  but  a trifle  that  you  ask. 

But  this  you  will  admit. 

That  trifles,  more  than  great'';r  tasks, 
Will  sometimes  strain  our  wit. 

I wish  thee  health,  and  weal/h,  and  joy, 
As  others  have  before: 

And  were  I in  poetic  mood, 

I’d  surely  wish  thee  more 

May  you  still  be  given 
Strength  for  each  day  in  house  and 
home 

To  practice  forbearance  sweetly. 

To  scatter  kind  words  and  lovinu  deeds, 
Trusting  in  God  completely. 

Your  character  cannot  be  essentially 
injured  except  by  your  own  acts. 


70 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Write  your  name  by  kindness,  love 
and  mercy,  upon  the  liearts  of  those  you 
come  in  contact  with,  and  you  will 
never  be  forgotten. 

Recollect  that  trifles  make  perfection, 
and  that  perfection  is  no  trifle. 

Here’s  a sigh  for  those  who  love  me. 
And  a smile  for  those  who  hate. 

And  whatever  sky’s  above  me, 

H ere’s  a heart  for  every  fate. 

In  all  thy  humors,  whether  grave  or 
mellow. 

Thou  art  such  a touchy,  testy,  pleasant 
fellow; 

Hast  so  much  wit,  and  mirth,  and  spleen, 
about  thee. 

There  is  no  living  with  thee  nor  with- 
out thee. 


I write  here  a name  which  I hope  shall 
be  known 

To  all  of  the  ages  which  follow  my  own. 

“How  conceited!”  you  say;  but  my 
lines  shall  remain ; 

’Tis  my  hope,  you’ll  discover,  not  I,  that 
is  vain. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


n 


Our  greatest  glory  consists  not  in 
never  falling,  but  in  rising  every  time 
we  fall. 


Though  many  miles  apart 
Our  homes  may  prove  to  be, 
Yet  in  the  recess  of  your  heart 
Keep  one  kind  thought  of  me. 

Always  have  a willing  hand 
- Full  of  kind  deeds. 

For  many  needs; 

Also  have  a loving  heart  most. 


Great  truths  are  portions  of  the  soul  of 
man  ; 

Great  souls  are  portions  of  eternity; 

Each  drop  of  blood  that  e’er  through 
true  heart  ran 

With  lofty  message,  ran  for  thee  and 
me ; 

For  God’s  law,  since  the  starry  sonp 
began. 

Hath  been,  and  still  foreverniore 
must  be 

That  every  deed  which  shall  outlast 
Time’s  span 

Must  goad  the  soul  to  be  erect  and 
free. 


72 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


True  friends,  like  ivy  and  the  wall, 
Both  stand  together  or  together  fall. 

Hearts,  like  doors,,  can  ope’  with  ease. 
To  very,  very  little  keys; 

And  don’t  forget  that  they  are  these: 

“ I thank  you  sir,”  and  “ if  you  please.’’ 

May  you  live  in  bliss,  from  sorrow 
away, 

Having  plenty  laid  up  for  a rainy  day; 
And  wTen  you  are  ready  to  settle  in 
life. 

May  you  find  a good  husband  and  make 
a good  wife. 

Our  lives  are  albums ; each  new  day’s 
a page 

As  spotless  as  the  leaf  on  which  I 
write. 

Whene’er  those  books  of  ours  shall  be 
read. 

May  few  unwise  inscriptions  meet  the 
sight. 

On  the  broad  highway  of  action 
Friends  of  worth  are  far  and  few; 

But  when  one  has  proved  her  friendship, 
Cling  to  her  who  clings  to  you. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


73 


Blessings  real  and  a brighter  hope  for 
time  and  eternity. 

Were  mine  the  power,  I’d  twine  for  thee 
A crown  of  jewels  rare  ; 

Each  gem  should  be  a kingdom, 

Each  pearl  an  humble  prayer. 

There  are  few  friends  in  this  wide  world 
Whose  love  is  fond  and  true; 

But, , when  you  count  them  o’er 

Place  me  among  the  few. 

With  a heart  free  from  care,  and  my 
home  in  the  West, 

I’ll  pace  the  broad  deck  with  a light 
throbbing  breast. 

Yet  still  as  1 dream  of  those  days  that 
are  gone. 

Of  the  gay  happy  hours  in  my  own 
native  home. 

Far,  far  o’er  the  wave  my  heart  wanders 
there 

To  its  shrine  of  devotion, where  youth, 
free  from  care. 

We  spent  such  golden  hours  of  inno- 
cence and  glee 

With  you  and  dear  companions,  so 
pray  remember  me. 


74 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  you  always  be  happy, 

And  live  at  your  ease  ; 

Get  a kind  husband, 

And  do  as  you  please. 

May  thy  heart  beat  with  purest  hopes 
To  pity  and  to  bless, 

And  strive  to  make  earth’s  comforts 
more. 

Its  pains  and  follies  less. 

Love’s  but  a baby  that  passionate 
Cries  to  be  mated  at  birth; 

Time  isn’t  lost  if  it  teaches  you 
What  a good  woman  is  worth. 

There  is  a small  and  simple  flower 
That  twines  around  the  humblest  cot, 
And  in  the  sad  and  lonely  hours 
It  whispers  low;  “Forget  me  not.” 

When  asked  in  an  album  to  write, 

I feel  quite  inclined  to  refuse; 

For  what  should  I dare  to  indite 
That  M'^ould  a young  lady  amuse? 
Not  wit,  for  I have  none  of  that, 

Nor  romance — my  fancy  is  tame; 
And  compliments  sound  so  flat. 

I’m  forced  to  write  merely  my  name. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


75 


What  if  the  waiting  be  wearisome, 
What  if  the  work  days  be  drear: 
Time,  the  old  thief,  cannot  rob  you 
Of  fifty-two  Sundays  a year. 

There  is  many  a rest  on  the  road  of 
life. 

If  we  only  would  stop  to  take  it. 

And  many  a tone  from  the  better  land. 
If  the  querulous  heart  would  wake  it. 
To  the  sunny  soul  that,  full  of  hope. 
And  whose  beautiful  trust  ne’er 
faileth, 

The  grass  is  green  and  the  flowers  are 
bright. 

Though  the  wintry  storm  prevaileth. 

Little  minds  are  tamed  and  subdued 
by  misfortune,  but  great  minds  rise 
above  it. 

Beauty  is  but  a vain,  a fleeting  good, 

A shining  gloss  that  fadeth  suddenly, 
A flower  that  dies  when  almost  in  the 
bud, 

A bright,  glass  that  breaketh  sud- 
denly ; 

A fleeting  good,  a glass,  a gloss,a  flower. 
Lost,  faded,  broken,  dead  within  the 
hour. 


76 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  she  for  whom  these  lines  are  penned 
By  using  well,  make  time  her  friend  ; 
Then  whether  he  stands  still  or  flies, 
Whether  the  moment  lives  or  dies, 

She  need  not  care;  for  time  will  be 
Her  friend,  to  all  eternity. 

All  the  blessings  of  this  life  are  noth- 
ing worth  without  the  sunshine  of  hope, 
for  a bright  and  lasting  future,  My 
wishes  are  these  for  thee. 


May  happiness  ever  be  thy  lot. 
Wherever  thou  shalt  be  ; 

And  joy  and  pleasure  light  the  spot 
That  may  be  home  to  thee. 

How  sweet  to  have  a faithful  friend, 
In  whom  we  can  confide; 

To  bless  us  if  we  act  aright. 

And  if  we  err  to  chide. 


Hope  the  best,  get  ready  for  the 
worst,  and  take  what  God  sends. 


Be  content  with  the  lot  God  has 
marked  out  for  you.  Love,  honor  and 
obey  Him  in  all  things,  and  your  last 
days  will  be  peaceful  and  happy. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


77 


The  cheek  is  pale  with  thought,  but  not 
from  woe, 

And  yet  so  lovely  that  if  mirth  could 
flush 

Its  rose  of  whiteness  with  the  bright- 
est  blush. 

My  heart  would  wish  away  the  ruddier 
glow ; 

And  dazzle  not  thy  deep  blue  eyes — 
but  oh ! 

While  gazing  on  them — sterner  eyes 
will  gush. 

And  into  mine  my  mother’s  weak- 
ness rush. 

Soft  as  the  last  drops  round  heaven’s 
airy  bow ; 

For,  through  thy  long  dark  lashes  low 
depending, 

The  soul  of  melancholy  Gentleness 

Gleams  like  a Seraph  from  the  sky 
descending. 

o 

Above  all  pain — yet  pitying  all 
distress. 

At  once  such  majesty  with  sweetness 
blending, 

I worship  more  but  cannot  love  thee 
less. 


78 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  the  morn  of  thy  life  be  bright 
and  joyous,  the  noontide  peaceful  and 
happy,  and  the  sunset  gloriously  hope- 
ful, is  the  wish  of  your  friend. 

Life,  Death  and  Immortality — these 
three — the  first,  the  Road — the  second, 
the  Gate.  May  you  walk  safely  the 
first,  pass  triumphantly  the  second,  and 
rest  forever  in  the  third. 


Although  I am  advised  not  to  write 
fast, 

I hope  the  thought  I would  express  may 
last. 


Methinks  that  many  years  have  flown 
And  in  a large  arm-chair, 

is  sitting  older  grown 

With  silver  in  her  hair. 

And  thus  she  muses,  as  she  wipes 
Her  glasses  o’er  and  o’er: 

I wonder  if  my  album  keeps 
The  memories  of  yore. 

She  turns  the  pages  through  and  through 
With  many  a sigh  and  kiss. 

When  suddenly  she  stops  and  says, 
Who  could  have  written  this? 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


n 


Three  friends  that  never  fail 
Each  mortal  hath, 

Himself,  his  God,  and  last 
The  Angel,  Death. 

Dearer  than  power  or  fame 
Or  hoarded  pelf. 

Nearer  than  brother’s  love — 
The  love  of  self. 

Truer  than  sun  or  star, 

Higher  than  Heaven, 
Deeper  than  neither  space 
God’s  love  is  given. 

More  gentle  than  the  Spring 
Or  Summer’s  breath. 

And  as  a Mother  kind, 

The  Angel — Death. 

Yes,  , I will  write  my  name 

In  here,  as  you  request; 

And,  if  to  you  it’s  all  the  same. 

I’ll  add  a line — though  rather  tame- 
For  Critic’s  eyes,  as  my  bequest. 

My  wishes  and  my  hopes  for  you. 
Find  glad  expression  here  ; 

Although,  indeed,  it’s  very  true, 

There  is  no  room  for  all  that’s  due 
To  one  we  hold  so  dear. 


8o 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Good  health — first  wish  of  all — 

Of  all  God’s  gifts  the  best ; 

A happy  heart  that  loves  to  call 
On  Him  who  notes  the  sparrow’s  fall 
And  promises  sweet  rest. 

Although  beset  by  worldly  care, 

Fix  all  your  hopes  on  Heaven, 
And  view  by  faith  the  glories  fair. 
Which,  in  that  world  beyond  the  air, 
To  faithful  ones  are  given. 

May  the  Angels  twine  for  thee 
A wreath  of  immortality. 

The  night  has  a thousand  eyes — 
The  day  but  one  ; 

Yet  the  light  of  the  whole  world  dies 
With  the  setting  sun. 

The  mind  has  a thousand  eyes — 

The  day  but  one; 

Yet  the  light  of  the  whole  world  dies 
When  love  is  done. 


It  has  been  beautifully  said:  The 
water  that  flows  from  a spring  does  not 
congeal  in  winter  ; and  those  sentiments 
which  flow  from  the  heart  cannot  be 
chilled  by  adversity. 


ALBUM  /ERSES. 


8i 


You  ask  for  your  Album  a rhyme  ; 

With  pleasure  I hear  and  obey; 
Refusal  were  folly  or  crime — 

For  who  could  to say  “nay?’’ 

There’s  many  a trouble 
Would  break  like  a bubble, 

And  into  the  waters  of  Lethe  depart, 
Did  not  we  rehearse  it 
And  tenderly  nurse  it. 

And  give  it  a permanent  place  in  the 
heart. 

Resolve  to  be  merry, 

All  worry  to  ferry, 

Across  the  famed  waters  that  bid  us 
forget. 

And  no  longer  fearful, 

But  happy  and  cheerful. 

We  feel  life  has  much  that’s  worth 
living  for  yet. 

May  we  always  remain  as  good 
friends  as  we  are  neighbors. 

On  this  spotless  page  my  pen  essays 
to  trace  a record  of  affection  ; and,  as 
I write,  a wish  is  in  my  heart  that,  for 
thee,  every  life-leaf  will  be  written  with 
the  golden  pen  of  love. 


82 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Beautiful  faces  are  those  that  wear 
The  light  of  a pleasant  spirit  there, 
It  matters  little  if  dark  or  fair. 


Long  may  Heaven’s  protecting  arm 
Shield  thee, , from  all  harm. 


Be  kind  to  all ; be  intimate  with  few; 
And  may  the  few  be  well  chosen. 

Evils  in  the  journey  of  life  are  like 
the  hills  which  alarm  travelers  upon 
their  road ; they  both  appear  great  in 
the  distance,  but  when  we  approach 
them,  we  find  them  far  less  insurmount- 
able than  we  had  conceived. 


Miss 1 O Miss ! 

What  can  I write  that’s  new 
Among  so  very  many 
Pretty  compliments  to  you  ? 

In  poetry,  I fear  I’d  fail — 

I’m  very  sure  I’d  stammer — 

You  cannot  drive  the  ponderous  nail 
With  a small  ten-cent  tack  hammer. 
Since,  then,  so  high  I cannot  soar. 
Nor  chirp  notes  like  the  lark, 

Please  cancel  what  I’ve  said  before. 
I’ll  simply  make  my  mark. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


. 83 


If  a body  ask  a body, 

In  her  book  to  write; 

If  a body  refuse  a body, 

Need  a body  fight  ? 

All  the  lassies  and  the  laddies 
Write  sweet  things  herein  ; 
If  a body  write  less  sweetly, 
Does  a body  sin  ? 


May  Future,  with  her  kindest  smile. 
Wreath  laurels  for  thy  brow  ; 

May  loving  angels  guard  and  keep  thee 
Ever  pure  as  thou  art  now. 


If  writing  in  Albums  remembrance 
insures. 

With  the  greatest  of  pleasure  I'll 
scribble  in  yours. 

In  after  years  when  you  recall 
The  days  of  pleasures  past. 

And  think  of  joyous  hours  and  all 
Have  flown  away  so  fast. 

When  some  forgotten  air  you  hear 
Brings  back  past  scenes  to  thee. 

And  gently  claims  your  listening  ear 
Keep  one  kind  thought  for  me. 


84 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


When  years  and  months  have  glided 
by, 

And  on  this  page  you  cast  your  eye, 
Remember  ’twas  a friend  sincere 
That  left  this  kind  remembrance  here. 
With  best  wishes  for  your  future 
cheer. 

Dear , may  your  life  be  blest 

With  friendship,  love  and  happiness; 
May  all  your  friends  prove/true. 

And  cheer  you  all  the  journey  through. 

This  life  is  not  all  sunshine, 

N or  is  it  yet  all  showers ; 

But  storms  and  calms  alternate. 

As  thorns  among  the  flowers  ; 

And  while  we  seek  the  roses. 

The  thorns  full  oft  we  scan. 

Still  let  us,  though  they  wound  us, 
Be  happy  as  we  can. 

This  life  has  heavy  crosses. 

As  well  as  joys  to  share. 

And  griefs  and  disappointments. 
Which  you  and  I must  bear; 

And  if  we  may  not  follow 

The  path  our  hearts  would  plan, 

Let  us  make  all  around  us. 

As  happy  as  we  can. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


85 


May  the  hinges  of  our  Friendship 
never  rust. 


May  your  days  in  joy  be  passed 
With  friends  to  bless  and  cheer. 
And  each  year  exceed  the  last 
In  all  that  earth  holds  dear. 


Though  many  friends  have  signed  their 
names, 

And  some  have  left  their  mark, 

I see  a place  for  me  remains 
To  add  my  small  remark. 

My  wish  for  thee  is:  joy  through  life  ; 
And  bliss  supreme,  when  some  one’s 
wife. 


I pray  the  prayer  of  Plato  old: 

God  make  thee  beautiful  within  ; 
And  let  thine  eye  the  good  behold 
In  everything  save  sin. 

A few  true  friends  to  aid  us  and  love 
us. 

And  cordial  hands  to  warmly  clasp 
our  own  ; 

O ! surely  God  hath  never  made  us 
To  live  distrustingly,  selfish,  and 
alone. 


86 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


A verse  you  ask  this  fine  day: 

Of  course  I’ll  write  you  one. 
The  task  of  writing  finds  its  pay 
In  joy  that  it  is  done. 


Why  ask  a name  ? 

Small  is  the  good  it  brings ; 
Names  are  but  breath — 

Deeds — deeds  alone — are  things. 


The  truest  happiness  is  found  in 
making  others  happy. 


/ Accept  my  friend  these  lines  from  me, 
/ They  show  that  I remember  thee, 

\ And  hope  some  thought  they  will  retain 
Vljll  you  and  I shall  meet  again. 


For  thee,  my  fair  and  gentle  friend, 
I ask  not  wealth  or  fame, 

I only  ask  thy  path  may  be 
Free  from  life’s  toil  and  care. 


Among  the  many  friends  that  claim 
A kind  remembrance  in  thy  breast, 
I too  would  add  my  simple  name, 
-Among  the  rest. 


Never  grow  weary  doing  good. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


87 


May  Heaven  on  you  its  choicest  bless- 
ings shower 

Is  the  sincere  wish  of  your  friend. 

Let  us  try  to  be  happy,  we  may  if  we 
will 

Find  some  pleasure  in  life  to  o’er- 
balance  the  ill. 

There  was  never  an  evil,  if  well  under- 
stood. 

But  what,  rightly  managed,  would  turn 
to  a good. 

If  we  were  but  as  ready  to  look  to  the 
light. 

As  we  are  to  sit  moping  because  it  is 
night. 

We  would  own  it  a truth,  both  in  word 
and  in  deed 

That  who  tries  to  be  happy  is  sure  to 
succeed. 

Let  us  only  in  earnestness  each  do  our 
best. 

Before  God  and  our  conscience,  and 
trust  for  the  rest. 

Still  taking  the  truth,  both  in  word  and 
in  deed. 

That  who  tries  to  be  happy  is  sure  to 
succeed. 


88 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Keep  me  in  remembrance, 

If  in  the  darkness 
I should  stray  afar, 

Like  some  lost  traveler 
With  no  guiding  star. 

Be  then  still  my  true. 

Sincere,  and  loving  friend, 

And  o’er  all  ills  and 
Trials  to  my  life’s  end 

Keep  me  in  remembrance. 

I want  a warm  and  faithful  friend, 

To  cheer  the  adverse  hour; 

Who  ne’er  to  flatter  will  descend. 

Nor  bend  the  knee  to  power;' 

A friend  to  chide  me  when  I’m  wrong; 
My  inmost  soul  to  see  ; 

And  that  my  friendship  prove  as  strong 
For  him  as  his  for  me. 

Of  all  the  gifts  which  heaven  bestows 
There  is  one  above  all  measure, 

And  that’s  a friend  ’midst  all  our  woes 
A friend,  is  found  a treasure. 

To  thee  I give  this  sacred  name 
For  thou  are  such  to  me. 

And  ever  proudly  will  I claim 
To  be  a friend  of  thee. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


89 


There  is  a flower,  a lovely  flower 
Tinged  deep  with  faith’s  unchanging 
hue, 

Pure  as  the  ether,  in  its  hour, 

Of  loveliest  and  serenest  blue  ; 

The  streamlet’s  gentle  side  it  seeks, 
The  quiet  fount,  the  shaded  grot. 

And  sweetly  to  the  heart  it  speaks 
Forget  me  not ! forget  me  not ! 

Then  be  not  coy,  but  use  your  time. 
And  while  ye  may,  go  marry  ; 

For  having  lost  but  once  your  prime 
You  may  forever  tarry. 

Be  always  kind-hearted. 

Do  good  deeds  without  end. 

But  never  forget. 

Your  affectionate  friend. 


No  night  descend  on  thee. 

O’er  thee  no  sorrows  come  ; 

Safe  be  thy  journey  through. 

Through  this  vale  of  cloud  and  gloom. 

Hope’s  precious  pearl  in  sorrow’s  cup 
Unmelted  at  the  bottom  lay. 

To  shine  again,  when  all  drank  up; 
The  bitterness  should  pass  away. 


90 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Favor  is  deceitful  and  beauty  is  vain, 
but  a woman  that  feareth  the  Lord  she 
shall  be  praised. — Prov.  xxxi,  30. 


May  the  blessing  of  God  be  upon  thee, 
May  the  Sun  of  Glory  shine  ’round  thy 
bed. 

May  the  gates  of  plenty,  honor  and 
happiness  be  open  to  thee. 

May  no  sorrow  distress  thy  days. 

May  no  griefs  disturb  thy  nights ; 

May  the  pillow  of  peace  kiss  thy  cheek, 
And  the  pleasure  of  realization  attend 
thy  beautiful  dreams. 

And  when  length  of  days  makes  thee 
Tired  of  earthly  joys,  and  the  curtain  of 
Death  gently  closes  ’round  thy  last 
sleep  of  human  existence, 

May  the  Angel  of  God  attend  thy  bed 
and 

Take  care  that  the  expiring  lamp  of 
life 

Shall  not  receive  one  rude  blast  to 
hasten  on  its  extinction. 


One  by  one  thy  griefs  will  meet  thee, 
Do  not  fear  an  armed  band  ; 

One  will  fade  as  others  greet  thee. 
Shadows  passing  through  the  land. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


91 


If  peace  is  to  be  your  portion  through 
life  (and  surely  why  not?)  the  Light 
of  the  World,  which  the  scripture 
declares  is  Jesus,  must  ever  be  observed 
and  obeyed.  The  hope  of  your  friend 
is  that  “You  may  be  kept  in  perfect 
peace  by  having  your  mind  stayed  on 
Christ  Jesus.” 

I’m  in  a quandary  how  to  compose 
Doggerel  rhymes  and  ditties  for  those 
Albums  so  freely  thrust  under  my  nose. 
Vain  ’tis  to  strive  ’gainst  the  Miss  who 
decrees, 

“An  original  poem,  if'you  please,” 
From  your  dull  brain  you  must  squeeze. 
Fain  would  I fly — I care  not  where; 
Lend  me  your  wings,  oh,  angels  fair. 
Encounter  another  album  I do  not  dare. 
Can  it  be  that  there  is  no  country 
bright. 

Kept  securely  free  from  albums’  blight? 

So  live,  so  act,  that  every  hour, 

May  die  as  dies  the  natural  flower, 

A self-reviving  thing  of  power. 

That  every  word  and  every  deed, 
May  bear  within  itself  the  seed 
Of  future  good  in  future  need. 


98 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


With  hope  and  faith  for  our  beacon 
lights, _ 

While  virtue  guides  our  way, 

Secure  we’d  pass  temptations  by, 

That  would  lead  our  hearts  astray. 
And  each  to  the  other  kind  and  true 

While  earth  was  our  spirit’s  haven. 
Would  pray  that  we  ne’er  might  part 
on  earth 

But  to  meet  again  in  heaven. 

Help  somebody  worse  off  than  your- 
self, and  you  will  find  you  are  better  off 
than  you  fancied. 

This  book  may  fall  asunder, 

Its  pages  dim  with  age  ; 

The  ink  may  lose  its  lustre 
Upon  each  shining  page, 

But  she  who  writes  these  verses 
Shall  ever,  ever  be,  . 

Through  all  the  world’s  reverses 
A faithful  friend  to  thee. 


Oh  ! for  the  power  of  Tennyson’s  pen! 
(By  my  failures  to  rhyme  I’m  de- 
jected). 

To  tell  all  the  world  again  and  again, 
In  your  album  how  much  I’m  affected 


ALBUM  VtkSfiS. 


93 


May  peace  enfold  thee  in  her  downy 
wing, 

Pure  songs  around  thee  weave  a fair)! 
spell, 

To  heaven  thy  heart’s  deep  longing* 
cling. 

And  happiness  forever  with  thee 
dwell. 


They  say  that  love  had  once  a book 
(The  urchin  likes  to  copy  you), 
Where  all  who  came  the  pencil  took. 
And  wrote — like  us — a line  or  two. 


’Twas  innocence,  the  maid  divine. 

Who  kept  this  volume  bright  and  fair 
And  saw  that  no  unhallowed  line 

Or  thought  profane  should  enter 
there. 


And  daily  did  the  pages  fill 

With  fond  device  and  loving  lore. 
And  every  leaf  she  turned  was  still 
More  bright  than  that  she  turned 
before. 


Heart  is  a hope-place,  and  home  is  a 
heart-place,  and  she  is  sadly  mistaken 
who  would  exchange  the  happiness  of 
home  for  anything  less  than  heaven. 


94 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  angels  weave  for  thee  a crown 
of  immortality. 

Trust,  my  friend,  no  Siren's  whisper, 
Weave  no  web  in  fancy’s  loom, 

Build  no  castle  for  the  future, 

For  the  golden  days  to  come. 

Life  has  more  or  less  besetments. 

More  or  less  of  grief  and  woe, 
Shadows  always  check  our  pathway. 
Sunbeams  only  come  and  go. 

Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters. 

Out  upon  the  waves  alone, 

You  will  find  it  drifted  to  thee 
After  many  days  have  flown. 

Ever  hoping  and  enduring, 

Ever  prayerful  on  the  way, 

May  you  reach  the  golden  entrance 
Opening  on  eternal  day. 

I would  not  enter  on  my  list 
Of  friends  the  man 

Who  needlessly  sets  foot  upon  a worm. 
An  inadvertant  step  may  crush  the  snail 
That  crawls  at  evening  in  the  public 
path ; 

But  he  that  has  humanity,  forewarned. 
Will  tread  aside  and  let  the  reptile  live. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


9S 


The  bright  black  eye,  the  melting  blue, 
I cannot  choose  between  the  two  ; 
But  that  is  dearest  all  the  while 

Which  means  for  us  the  sweetest 
smile. 


I ask  not  a life  for  thee, 

All  radiant  as  others  have  done, 

But  that  life  may  have  just  enough 
shadow 

To  temper  the  glare  of  the  sun. 

Thus  as  these  lines  I slowly  trace 
Across  this  spotless  page 
Will  time  all  earthly  things  efface 
And  passing  leave  behind  no  trace 
But  the  vile  dusts  of  age ; 

But  truth  and  virtue  mounting  high 
Shall  heavenward  wing  their  flight, 
And  shine  forever  from  the  sky 
Beyond  the  gems  of  night. 

As  jewels  incased  in  a casket  of  gold. 
Where  the  richest  of  treasure  wc 
hide, 

So  our  purest  of  thoughts  lie  deep  and 
untold. 

Like  the  gems  that  are  under  the 
tide. 


g6 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


See  Proverbs — 4 Chap.,  18,  19  Verses. 
Then  choose  at  once, 

May  the  Lord  guide  thee. 

There’s  little  in  earth’s  pomp  and  pride 
To  lean  on  or  to  trust ; 

The  wealth  of  earth  cannot  abide. 

It  crumbles  into  dust. 

But  there’ll  remain,  when  other  wealth 
. Shall  vanish  and  depart. 

Far  better  than  our  sordid  self — ' 

The  love  of  one  true  heart. 


Every  young  man  is  now  a sower  of 
seed  on  the  field  of  life.  The  bright 
days  of  youth  are  the  seed-time.  Every 
thought  of  your  intellect,  every  emo- 
tion of  your  heart,  every  word  of  your 
tongue,  every  principle  you  adopt, 
every  act  you  perform,  is  a seed  whose 
good  or  evil  fruit  will  prove  bliss  or 
bane  of  your  after  life. 

Life  is  a leaf  of  paper  white. 

Whereon  each  one  of  us  may  write 
His  word  or  two,  and  then  comes  night. 
Greatly  begin  ! Though  thou  have  time 
But  for  a line,  be  that  sublime ; 

Not  failure,  but  low  aim,  is  crime. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


97 


The  fruits  of  a well  spent  life 
Brings  contentment  and  peace  in  old 

Faithful  to  thy  trust,  duties  well  per- 
formed 

Keep  away  the  rust  and  drives  back  the 
storm. 


Keep  thy  spirit  pure,  promptly  do  thy 
part, 

God  will  surely  bless  and  purify  thy 
heart. 


Little  deeds  of  kindness,  done  in  a 
quiet  way. 

Reach  both  deep  and  wide,  and  always 
bring  their  pay. 

May’st  thou  live  in  joy  forever, 

Naught  from  thee  true  pleasure  sever; 
From  thy  heart  arise  no  sigh. 

And  no  tear  bedew  thine  eye: 

Joys  be  many,  cares  be  few, 

Smoothe  the  path  thou  shalt  pursue, 
And  heaven’s  richest  blessings  shine 
Ever  on  both  thee  and  thine. 


Guard  well  thy  thoughts ; our 
thoughts  are  heard  in  heaven. 


98 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


As  a slight  token  of  esteem, 

Accept  these  lines  from  me  ; 

So  plain  and  simple,  they  do  seem 
Unworthy  such  as  thee. 

But  soon  these  traced  lines  will  fade 
And  disappear — ’tis  their  doom. 
May  you,  unlike  them,  be  arrayed 
In  a perpetual  bloom. 

Doubt  thou  the  stars  are  fire  ; 

Doubt  that  the  sun  doth  move  ; 
Doubt  Truth  to  be  a liar ; 

But  never  doubt  I love  ! 


Oh ! how  the  passions,  insolent  and 
strong. 

Bear  our  weak  minds  their  rapid  course 
along ; 

Make  us  the  madness  of  their  will 
obey ; 

Then  die,  and  leave  us  to  our  griefs  a 
prey. 

There  is  a comfort  in  the  strength  of 
Love  ; 

’Twill  make  a thing  endurable,  which 
else 

Would  overset  the  brain  or  break  the 
heart. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


99 


I have  heard  of  reasons  manifold 
Why  love  must  needs  be  blind  ; 
But  this  the  best  of  all  I hold — 

His  eyes  are  in  his  mind. 

What  outward  form  and  feature  are 
He  guesseth  but  in  part ; 

But  what  within  is  good  and  fair 
He  seeeth  with  his  heart. 


Thou  art  beautiful,  young  lady — 

But  I need  not  tell  you  this ; 

For  few  have  borne,  unconsciously 
The  spell  of  loveliness. 

Oh  fairest  of  creation  ! last  and  best 

Of  all  God’s  works  ! creatures  in  whorh 
excelled ; 

Whatever  can  to  sight  or  thought  be 
form’d 

Holy,  divine,  good,  amiable  or  sweet ! 

Love  ! What  a volume  in  a word  ! an 
ocean  in  a tear ! 

A seventh  heaven  in  a glance  ! a whirl- 
wind in  a sigh ! 

The  lightning  in  a touch — a millenium 
in  a moment ! 

What  concentrated  joy,  or  woe,  in  blest 
or  blighted  love ! 


100 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Farewell,  oh  farewell,  but  whenever 
you  give 

A thought  to  the  days  that  are  gone. 

Of  the  bright  sunny  things  that  in 
memory  live. 

Let  a thought  of  the  writer  be  one. 

Ye  flowers  that  droop,  forsaken  by  the 
spring  ; 

Ye  birds  that,  forsaken  by  the  summer, 
cease  to  sing  ; 

Ye  trees  that  fade  when  autumn  heats 
remove. 

Say,  is  not  absence  death  to  those  who 
love  ? 


There  are  ten  thousand  tones  and  signs 
We  hear  and  see,  but  none  defines — 
Involuntary  sparks  of  thought 
Which  strike  from  out  the  heart  o’er- 
wrought. 

And  form  a strange  intelligence 
Alike  mysterious  and  intense  ; 

Which  link  the  burning  chain  that 
binds. 

Without  their  will,  young  hearts  and 
minds. 

Conveying  as  the  electric  wire. 

We  know  not  how,  the  absorbing  fire. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Write  your  name  in  Love,  Kindness 
and  Charity,  on  the  hearts  of  the 
people  you  come  in  contact  with,  and 
you  will  be  loved  by  all. 

When  Time  was  entwining  the  garland 
of  years. 

Which  to  crown  my  beloved  was 
given. 

Though  some  of  the  leaves  might  be 
sullied  with  tears. 

Yet  the  flowers  were  all  gathered  in 
heaven. 

And  long  may  this  garland  be  sweet  to 
the  eye. 

May  its  verdure  forever  be  new! 
Young  Love  shall  enrich  it  with  many 
a sigh, 

And  Pity  shall  nurse  it  with  dew. 

Some  friends  may  wish  thee  happiness, 
Some  others  wish  thee  wealth  ; 

My  wish  for  thee  is  better  far — 
Contentment,  blest  with  health. 


Let  the  road  be  rough  and  dreary, 
And  its  end  far  out  of  sight ; 
Foot  it  bravely — strong  or  weary — 
Trust  in  God,  and  do  the  right. 


t02 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Through  time  we’ll  change,  and  then 

This  little  book  will  somewhat  bind 
us. 

You’ll  take  it  up,  and  think  of  me 

And  all  the  joys  we’ve  left  behind  uss 

Live  well ; how  long  or  short,  permit 
to  Heaven ; 

They  who  forgive  most  shall  be  most 
forgiven. 

Our  lives  are  albums ; each  new  day’s 
a page 

As  spotless  as  the  leaf  on  which  I 
write. 

Whene’er  those  books  of  ours  shall  be 
read. 

May  few  unwise  inscriptions  meet 
the  sight. 

Beauty  is  but  a vain,  a fleeting  good, 

A shining  gloss  that  fadeth  suddenly, 

A flower  that  dies  when  almost  in  the 
bud, 

A bright  glass  that  breaketh  suddenly; 

A fleeting  good,  a glass,  a gloss,  a 
flower. 

Lost,  faded,  broken,  dead  within  the 
hour. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


103 


Not  purple  violets  in  the  early  spring 

Such  graceful  sweets,  such  tender 
beauties  bring  ; 

The  orient  blush  which  does  thy  cheeks 
adorn. 

Makes  coral  pale — vies  with  the  rosy 
morn. 

Accomplishments  are  native  to  her 
mind, 

Like  precious  pearls  within  a clasp^ 
ing  shell. 

And  winning  grace  her  every  act  re- 
fined, 

Like  sunshine,  shedding  beauty  where 
it  fell. 


The  time  is  swiftly  passing  by 
When  we  must  bid  adieu. 

We  know  not  when  we  meet  again, 
So  these  lines  I leave  with  you. 

There  is  pleasure  in  the  pathless  woods: 

There  is  rapture  on  the  lonely  shore; 
There  is  society  where  none  intrudes. 
By  the  deep  sea,  and  music  in  its 
roar ; 

I love  not  man  the  less  but  nature 


more. 


104 


AT,nUM  VERSES. 


When  the  golden  sun  is  sinking, 

And  your  mind  from  care  and 
trouble’s  free  ; 

When  of  others  you  are  thinking, 
Won’t  you  sometimes  think  of  me? 

A gentle  word  is  never  lost. 

Oh  ! never,  then  refuse  one; 

It  cheers  the  heart  when  tempest-tossed, 
And  lulls  the  cares  that  bruise  one ; 

It  scatters  sunshine  o’er  our  way. 

And  turns  our  thorns  to  roses  ; 

It  changes  weary  night  and  day, 

And  hope  and  love  discloses. 

If  ever  a husband  you  should  have, 

And  he  this  book  should  see. 

Tell  him  of  your  youthful  days. 

And  kiss  him  once  for  me. 


As  o’er  the  cold  sepulchral  stone 
Some  name  arrests  the  passer-by. 
Thus,  when  thou  view’st  this  page  alone, 
May  mine  attract  thy  pensive  eye  ! 

And  when  by  thee  that  name  is  read. 
Perchance  in  sorhe  succeeding  year, 
Reflect  on  me  as  on  the  dead. 

And  think  my  heart  is  buried  here. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


105 


Save  thy  toiling’,  spare  thy  treasure, 

All  I ask  is  friendship’s  pleasure ; 

Let  the  shining  orb  lie  darkling, 

Bring  no  gem  in  lustre  sparkling. 

Gifts  and  gold  are  naught  to  me ; 
I •would  only  look  on  thee ! 

Accept,  my  friend,  these  lines  from  me. 
They  show  that  I remember  thee. 

And  hope  some  thought  they  will 
retain, 

Till  you  and  I shall  meet  again. 

May  Future,  with  her  kindest  smile. 
Wreath  laurels  for  thy  brow  ; 

May  loving  angels  guard  and  keep  thee 
Ever  pure  as  thou  art  now. 

Count  not  the  hours  while  their  silent 
wings 

Thus  waft  them  in  fairy  flight ; 

For  feeling,  warm  from  her  dearest 
springs. 

Shall  hallow  the  scene  to-night. 

And  while  the  music  of  joy  is  here, 

And  the  colors  of  life  arc  gay. 

Let  us  think  on  those  that  have  loved 
us  dear — 

The  friends  who  are  far  away. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


io6 


In  the  evening  of  life  cherish  the 
remembrance  of  those  who  loved  thee  in 
its  morning. 

This  album’s  a mansion  which  offers  its 
best, 

To  the  friends  who  have  written 
their  thoughts, 

And  the  banquet  is  spread  with  festal 
face. 

Where  guests  mingle  enjoyment  with 
rest ; 

And  they  leave  their  memorials  under 
thy  roof. 

Sometimes  in  sorrow,  more  oft  in  joy 
divine. 

Nor  think  a single  thought  quite  good 
enough. 

To  measure  its  faintest  pulse  with 
thine. 


Though  many  friends  have  signed  their 
names. 

And  some  have  left  their  mark, 

I see  a place  for  me  remains 
To  add  my  small  remark. 

My  wish  for  thee  is : joy  through  life; 
And  bliss  supreme,  when  some  one’s 
wife. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


107 


Here  is  one  leaf  reserved  for  me, 

From  all  thy  sweet  memorials  free  ; 
And  here  my  simple  song  might  tell 
The  feelings  thou  must  guess  so  well. 
But  could  I thus  within  my  mind 
One  little  vacant  corner  find, 

Where  no  impression  yet  is  seen, 
Where  no  memorial  yet  has  been ; 

Oh,  it  should  be  my  sweetest  care 
To  write  my  name  forever  there  ! 

There  is  nothing  but  death 
Our  affections  can  sever. 

And  till  life’s  latest  breath 
Love  shall  bind  us  forever. 


To  write  in  your  album,  dear  friend, 
you  ask. 

Ah,  well ! it  is  not  such  a difficult  task. 

All  I can  say  is  contained  in  one  line 
here  ; 

May  the  blessings  of  Heaven  forever 
be  thine. 


A place  in  thy  memory,  dearest. 

Is  all  that  I claim  ; 

To  pause  and  look  back  when  thou 
hearest 

The  sound  of  my  name. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Let  US  be  kind  to  each  other  ! 

The  night’s  coming  on, 
When  friend  and  when  brother 
Perchance  may  be  gone  ! 
Then,  midst  our  dejection. 

How  sweet  to  have  earned 
The  blest  recollection 
Of  kindness  returned. 


I know  not  what  to  write  about, 

So  many  themes  are  pressing  ; 

All  good  enough  in  very  truth. 

But  quite  unprepossessing: 

Each  moment  of  thy  future  life, 

Live  holy,  whether  maid  or  wife. 

Fond  Memory,  come  and  hover  o’er 
This  album  page  of  my  dear  friend; 

Enrich  her  from  thy  precious  store. 
And  happy  recollection  send. 

If  on  this  page  she  chance  to  gaze. 

In  years  to  come — where’er  she  be — 

Tell  her  of  earlier  happy  days, 

And  bring  her  back  one  thought  of 
me. 


E3TEEM  HND  0@NPIDENCE. 


Some  little  token  of  regard, 

You  wish  from  me  to  claim; 

But  as  tirne  is  pressing  hard, 

I will  but  write  my  name. 

Every  joy  that  heaven  can  send  ; 

Wealth,  and  every  kind  of  treasure — ■ 
Health  and  love  to  thee,  my  friend. 
And  happiness  without  measure. 

In  future  years  should  trusted  friends 
Depart  like  summer  birds ; 

And  all  the  comfort  memory  lends. 

Is  false  and  honeyed  words. 

Turn  then  to  me  Avho  fain  would  prove, 
However  thy  lot  be  cast, 

That  naught  his  heart  can  ever  move 
From  friendship  of  the  past. 

Speak  of  me  kindly  when  life’s  dreams 
are  o’er ; 

Speak  of  me  gently  when  I am  no 
more. 


no 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


In  the  evening  of  life  cherish  the 
remembrance  of  one  who  loved  thee  in 
its  morning. 

Safely  down  Life’s  ebbing  tide, 

May  our  vessels  smoothly  glide, 

And  anchor  side  by  side — in  heaven 

That  Hope  and  you. 

Bright  days  will  view. 

May  He  who  hath  penciled  the 
leaves  with  beauty,  given  the  flowers 
their  bloom,  and  lent  music  to  the  lay 
of  the  timid  bird,  graciously  remember 
thee  in  that  day  when  He  shall  gather 
His  jewels. 

To  write  in  your  Album,  dear  friend, 
you  ask ; 

Ah,  well ! it  is  not  such  a difficult  task. 
All  I can  say  is  contained  here  in  one 
line: 

May  the  blessings  of  Heaven  forever 
be  thine. 


A long  life,  and  a happy  one  ; 
A tall  man,  and  a jolly  one — 
Like — well^ — you  know  who! 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  your  path  be  strewn  with  roses, 
Fair  and  flowery  to  the  end  ; 


And  when  your  body  in  death  reposes, 
May  your  Maker  be  your  friend. 

Well, , I surely  would  like  to 

please ; 

But  can’t  think  what  to  say. 

All  your  friends  have  wishes  bright. 

To  cheer  your  life  so  gay. 

I will  add:  May  all  their  v»^ords 
Be  symbols  of  love  and  truth ; 

That  when  you  grow  weary,  and  seek 
for  rest. 

You  will  rejoice  in  the  friends  of 
your  youth. 

The  hills  are  shadows,  and  they  flow 
From  form  to  form,  and  nothing 
stands ; 

They  melt  like  mist  the  solid  lands. 
Like  clouds  they  shape  themselves 
and  go. 

But  in  my  spirit  will  I dwell. 

And  dream  my  dream  and  hold  it 
true ; 

For  though  my  pen  doth  write  adieu, 
I cannot  say  for  aye  farewell. 


II2 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


God’s  love  and  peace  be  with  thee, 
when 

Soe’r  this  soft  Autumnal  air 

Lifts  the  dark  tresses  of  thy  hair. 

Thou  lack’st  not  friendship’s  spellword, 
nor 

The  half-unconscious  power  to  draw 

All  hearts  to  thine  by  Love’s  sweet  law. 

With  such  a prayer,  on  this  sweet  day, 

As  thou  may’st  hear  and  I may  say, 

I greet  thee,  dearest,  far  away. 

This  Album’s  a mansion  which  offers 
its  best. 

To  the  friends  who  have  written  their 
thoughts, 

And  the  banquet  is  spread  with  festal 
fare. 

Where  guests  mingle  enjoyment 
with  rest ; 

And  they  leave  their  memorials  under 
thy  roof. 

Sometimes  in  sorrow,  more  oft  in  joy 
divine. 

Nor  think  a single  thought  qu*ite  good 
enough. 

To  measure  its  faintest  pulse  with 
thine. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


113 


From  memory’s  leaves, 

I fondly  squeeze 
Three  little  words — 

Forget  Me  Not. 

Let  not  your  friendship  be  like  the  rose, 
to  sever; 

But,  like  the  evergreen,  may  it  last 
forever. 


He  who  does  good  to  another  does 
also  good  to  himself — not  only  in  the 
act,  but  in  the  consciousness  of  well- 
doing is  his  reward. 


HaM@F(0a3- 


I dip  my  pen  into  the  ink, 

An'd  grasp  your  album  tight ; 
But  for  my  life  I cannot  think 
One  single  word  to  write. 

In  the  storms  of  life, 

When  you  need  an  umbrella. 
May  you  have  to  uphold  it 
A handsome  young  fellow. 

May  beauty  and  truth, 

Keep  you  in  youth  ; 

Green  tea  and  sage. 

Preserve  your  old  age. 

Withsoever  is  this  for  why? 
Wherefore.  Ain’t  it  ? 


Round  went  the  book,  and  here  it  came, 
In  it  for  me  to  write  my  name  ; 

I would  write  better,  if  I could. 

But  nature  said  I never  should. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Some  people  can  be  very  funny, 

I never  could  be  so. 

So  I’ll  just  inscribe  my  name  ; 

It’s  the  funniest  thing  I know. 

Sailing  down  the  stream  of  life, 

In  your  little  bark  canoe, 

May  you  have  a pleasant  trip, 

With  just  room  enough  for  two. 

Dear  Friend  : 

Do  not  doubt  me  ; 

You  know  more  about  me 
Than  many  whose  names 
Here  appear. 

But  to  tell  them  I’ll  never — 
What!  never?  Hardly  ever — = 
What  I’d  like  to  write  to  you 
Here. 

’Tis  nonsense  I’ve  written  ; 
You’ll  think  I am  smitten 
With  charms  that  I hold 
Very  dear. 

Please  excuse  me  from  writing. 
More  lines  so  inviting. 

Your  time  to  be  spent 
Idly  here. 


Ii6 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


May  your  cheeks  retain  their  dimples, 
May  your  heart  be  just  as  gay, 

Until  some  manly  voice  shall  whisper, 
“Dearest,  will  you  name  the  day?” 


I care  not  much  for  gold  or  land. 

Give  me  a mortgage  here  and  there. 
Some  good  bank  stock — some  note  of 
hand. 

Or  trifling  railroad  share, 

I only  ask  that  Fortune  send 
A little  more  than  I can  spend. 


Fee  simple  and  simple  fee, 

And  all  the  fees  entail 
Are  nothing  when  compared  to  thee — 
Thou  best  of  fees — fe-male. 


What ! write  in  your  album,  for  critics 
to  spy. 

For  the  learned  to  laugh  at? — No,  not 
I! 


Accept  my  valued  friendship, 
And  roll  it  up  in  cotton. 
And  think  it  not  illusion. 
Because  so  easily  gotten. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


Ill 


When  on  this  page  you  chance  to  look, 
Think  of  me  and  close  the  book. 


If  you  wish  to  laugh, 

Glance  at  my  autograph. 

Man’s  love  is  like  Scotch  snuff — 
You  take  a pinch  and  that’s  enough. 
Profit  by  this  sage  advice, 

When  you  fall  in  love,  think  twice. 

Long  may  you  live. 

Happy  may  you  be. 

When  you  get  married 
Come  and  see  me. 


May  you  be  happy. 

Each  day  of  your  life. 

Get  a good  husband 
And  make  a good  wife. 

As  sure  as  comes  your  wedding  day, 
A broom  to  you  I’ll  send ; 

In  sunshine,  use  the  brushy  part. 

In  storm,  the  other  end. 


I write  in  your  Album? 

How  very  absurd  ! 

My  mind  is  at  random — 


BII^THDTIY  YE^^E^. 


Your  Birthday  will  always  be  green 
in  the  memory  of  your  friends. 

May  these  flowers,  presented  on  your 
birthday,  be  emblematical  of  the  purity 
of  your  life. 

Wake  early  this  morning. 

Nor  miss  the  grey  dawning; 

Take  this  greeting  from  me 

As  it  goes  straight  to  thee; 

May  joy  and  gladness  e’er  be  thine  ; 

And  endless  brightness  round  thee 
shine. 


Like  sunbeams  to  the  drooping  fi^'>wers, 
Good-will  our  lives  doth  bless ; 

It  furthers  every  wish  of  ours, 

And  joys  in  our  success. 

So  may  its  rays  towards  you  flow, 

That  none  but  friends  your  heart 
may  know. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


1 19 


I wish  thee  every  blessing 
That  can  attend  thee  here ; 

And  may  each  future  birthday  prove 
My  wish  to  be  sincere. 


In  these  days  of  mirth  and  glee, 
What  shall  my  message  be  to  thee? 
What  can  I wish  for  one  so  blest? 
Thou  sunny  bird  in  a sunny  nest ! 
This  I wish,  and  this  I pray: 

May  the  joys  of  life  never  pass  away, 
But  only  merge  in  a sigh  of  bliss — 
Into  a life  far  brighter  than  this! 


/ If  words  could  all  my  wishes  say, 

I Oh  ! how  my  tongue  would  talk  away. 
\ I wish  this  day  and  many  more 

\ Might  on  dear  blessings  pour, 

\ May  health,  weafth,  love,  and  peace 
\ W ith  each  succeeding  year  increase  ; 
xAnd  oh  ! the  last,  come  when  it  may, 
Be  unto  thee  a happy  day. 


As  beauteous  flowers  in  garlands  inter- 
twine. 

May  Peace  and  Love  to  cheer  thy  heart 
combine. 

To  give  you  a very  happy  Birthday. 


120 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


This  is  thy  Birthday,  may  it  be, 

A source  of  happiness  to  thee. 

And  may  each  Birthday  yet  in  store, 
Be  brighter  than  the  one  before. 

Dear  friend,  on  this,  thy  natal  day, 

I send  to  thee  a little  lay. 

And  wishes  tender 
And  only  ask  that  thou’lt  repay 
My  thoughts  with  thine,  and  fondly  say^ 
“ I thank  the  sender,’’ 

May  Spring  its  blossoms  round  thee 
strew. 

And  Summer,  deck’d  in  mantle  new. 

Come  forth  to  greet  thee  ; 
May  Autumn  fruitage  crown  the  year. 
And  Winter,  with  its  jovial  cheer. 

Bring  friends  to  meet  thee. 

And  if  I still  must  absent  be. 

Do  not  forget  to  send  to  me 

One  kind  word  only. 
By  home  birds  passing  by  the  door. 
Who,  flying  towards  this  distant  shore, 
May  greet  me  lonely. 


HND  NEW-YEHl^ 
yef:3e^. 


Joy  and  plenty  in  the  cottage, 
Peace  and  feasting  in  the  hall ; 
And  the  voices  of  the  children 
Ring  out  clear  above  it  all : 

A merry  Christmas ! 


Health  and  prosperity 
Your  life  to  cheer, 

With  every  blessing 

For  the  bright  New  Year. 

Ring  out,  ye  bells,  o’er  all  the  earth, 

To  tell  with  brazen  voice. 

The  tidings  of  the  Saviour’s  birth 
<_> 

And  bid  mankind  rejoice. 

Hark,  th®  pearly  air  is  trembling. 
Liquid  music  floats  along  ; 

Angels,  in  sweet  joy  assembling. 
Thrill  the  skies  with  heavenly  song 
“ Peace  on  Earth,”  is  their  refrain. 

Oh  ! be  it  yours  this  peace  to  gain. 


122 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


On  this  New  Year’s  morning 
My  wishes  take  their  flight, 

And  wing  to  thee  a greeting 

That  would  make  all  things  bright. 


O,  life  is  but  a river 

And  in  our  childhood  we, 

But  a fair  and  running  streamlet 
Adorned  with  flowers,  see. 

But  as  we  grow  more  earnest. 

The  river  grows  more  deep. 

And  where  we  laughed  in  childhood, 
We,  older,  pause  to  v'^eep. 

Each  Christmas,  as  it  passes, 

Some  change  to  us  doth  bring. 
Yet  to  our  friends  the  closer. 

As  time  creeps  on,  we  cling. 


Gladly  now  it  is  my  pleasure, 

Joys  to  wish  you,  without  measure. 
Happiness  and  peace  attending. 

With  pure  heavenly  blessings  blending. 

True  love  shall  live  thro’  sorrow’s  win- 
try storm. 

And  bloom  afresh  on  this  glad  Christ- 
mas morn. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


123 


For  friends  we  strive  to  pierce 
The  future,  dense  and  dark, 

But  not  a ray  of  light 

W e see,  nor  faintest  spark ; 

But  yet  while  we  have  faith  to  cheer, 
We  trusting  wish  “ A bright  New  Year." 

May  piety  with  wishes  placed  above. 
And  steady  loyalty  and  faithful  love. 
Be  thy  blessings  this  Christmas-tide. 

May  health  and  joy,  and  peace  be  thine 
Upon  this  Christmas  day. 

And  happy  faces  round  thee  shine 
As  plenteous  as  the  flowers  in  May. 

Now  Christmas  comes  with  hearty 
cheer. 

May  kindly  thoughts  go  round. 

And  bring  to  you  a glad  New  Year, 
With  peace  and  plenty  crowned. 

Christmas  is  coming,  and  what  will  it 
bring  ? 

Many  a pleasant  and  gladdening  thing! 
Meetings  and  greetings,  and  innocent 
mirth: 

All  that  is  brightest  and  best  on  the 
earth. 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


A little  bird  comes  singing, 

. Singing  a song  to  you  ; 

He  sings  of  sun-tipped  flowers, 

Bathed  in  a diamond  dew. 

“ The  days  are  coming,”  he  warbles, 

“ When  the  frost  has  flown  away. 
When  the  earth  will  be  sweet  with 
flowers 

And  the  breath  of  new-mown  hay.” 

Oh  bird  so  softly  singing 
Your  song  of  pleasant  days. 

Go  sing  to  her  I fondly  love. 

Through  the  wintry  cold  and  bare. 
When  the  heart  is  light,  the  days  are 
bright. 

And  the  sun  seems  ever  near ; 

So  sing  her  your  lay  this  Christmas  Day, 
And  through  all  the  bright  New  Year. 


Ring  in,  ring  in  the  revelries. 

And  let  the  feast  be  one 
Where  not  a single  guest  there  is 
But  Innocence  and  Fun  ! 

Let  Christmas  warmth  keep  winter  out. 
And  joy  unbroken  reign — - 
From  floor  to  rooftree  send  the  shout 
Till  Christmas  comes  again! 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


125. 


Christmas  comes,  let  every  heart 
In  Christmas  customs  bear  its  part: 

The  “old”  be  “young,”  the  sad  be  gay, - 
And  smiles  chase  every  care  away. 

I 

Our  Saviour  Christ  was  born 
That  we  might  have  the  Rose  without 
the  thorn. 

All  through  His  desert  life 
He  felt  the  thorns  of  human  sin  and 
strife. 

H is  blessed  feet  were  bare 
To  every  hurting  brier.  He  did  not 
spare 

One  bleeding  footstep  on  the  way 
He  came  to  trace  for  us,  until  the  day 
The  cruel  crown  was  pressed  upon  the 
Brow 

That  smiles  upon  us  from  His  glory 
now. 

And  so  He  won  for  us 
Sweet,  thornless,  everlasting  flowers 
thus. 

He  bids  our  desert  way 
Rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  Rose  to- 
day. 

There  is  no  hidden  thorn 
In  His  good  gifts  of  grace.  He  would 
adorn 


126 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


The  lives  that  now  are  His  alone, 
With  brightness  and  beauty  all  his 
own. 

Then  praise  the  Lord  who  came  on 
Christmas  day 

To  give  the  Rose  and  take  the  thorns 
away. 

I cannot  tell  what  thou  wilt  bring  to  me, 

0 strange  New  Year, 

But  tho’  thick  darkness  shrouds  thy 
days  and  months, 

1 will  not  fear. 

Why  should  I fret  my  heart  to  know 
before 

What  may  befall  ? 

With  this  one  thought  content-  -I  ask 
no  more — 

God  knows  it  all. 


Again  the  festive  season’s  here, 

With  all  that  can  delight  and  cheer ; 
Oh!  may  you  nothing  lack  each  day. 
But  find  fresh  blessings  strew  your  way. 

Take,  my  friend,  this  heartfelt  greeting, 
Happy  be  thy  Christmas  day. 

Faith,  and  hope,  and  love  here  meeting. 
Speed  thee  on  thy  New  Year’s  way! 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


127 


Sure,  Christmas  is  a happy  time 
In  spite  of  wintry  weather, 

For  laugh,  and  song,  and  jest  go  round 
When  dear  friends  meet  together; 
And  hearts  are  warm,  and  eyes  beam 
bright 

In  the  ruddy  glow  of  Christmas  night! 

As  Christmas  offerings  meet  your  eyes. 
Still  closer  be  sweet  friendship’s  ties. 


Oh  joyous  be  your  Chistmas-tide, 
And  bright  your  New  Year,  too  ; 
To  you  may  love  ne’er  be  denied  ; 
May  all  your  friends  be  true. 

Oh  ! may  thy  Christmas  happy  be. 
And  naught  but  joy  appear, 

Is  now  the  wish  I send  to  thee, 

And  all  I love  most  dear. 


O bright  be  the  day 

Sweet  echoes  resounding, 

Love  lighting  the  way 

And  warm  hearts  surrounding*. 
May  the  breath  of  His  peace 
In  thy  spirit  remain. 

Till  Christmas  revisits 
The  round  world  again  1 


t28 


ALBUM  VERSES. 


O childhood  is.  a golden  time, 

When  all  the  world  is  bright, 

When  sunshine  comes  with  every  morn, 
Sweet  dreams  with  every  night. 
Were  I a fairy,  I would  give 
To  thee  a magic  kiss, 

That  should  ensure  for  the  New  Year, 
As  fair  a time  as  this. 


A BAD  BOrS  DIARY. 

This  Is  the  most  humorous  book  ever  issued  from  the  Press.  Th* 
One  Hundreth  Fhousand  h.3iS  just  been  issued,  and  the  demand  foj 
it  is  still  increasing.  One  editor  says  'of  it:  “It  made  us  laugh  till 
our  sides  ached  and  the  tears  came.”  Another  says:  “ It  will  drive 
the  blues  out  of  a bag  of  indigo.  It  is  worth  a dollar,  but  costs  only 
ten  cents.”  One  reader  says  of  it:  “ I received  the  Bad  Boy’s  Diary 
you  sent  me,  and  as  most  of  my  family  are  killed  by  laughing  over 
It,  you  may  send  another  copy,  so  I can  dispose  of  the  rest  of  them  in 
the  same  happy  manner.” 

It  contains  .^8  p.ages  and  is  handsomely  illustrated.  Sent  by  mail 
on  receipt  of  Ten  Cents. 

DIARY  OF  A MINISTER’S  WIFE. 

“ It  excels  Mark  Twain  for  genuine  humor.” 

This  is  one  of  the  most  humorous  books  of  the  present  day,  showing 
in  a manner  pleasing  to  all  readers  the  trials,  tribulations,  expectations, 
and  actual  experiences  of  a “minister’s  wife”  in  a country  parisn. 
The  characters  represented  are  true  to  life,  and  will  doubtless  bring 
to  the  mind  of  the  reader  remembrances  of  events  and  individuals 
within  their  own  knowledge.  It  contains  64  pages,  with  handsome 
engraved  cover.  Price  Ten  Cents. 

“ A BUSHEL  OF  FUN,” 

gathered  from  the  writings  of  authors  of  “ A Bad  Boy’s  Diary,” 
Josh  Billings,  Detroit  Free  Press  Man,  Burlington  Hawkeye  Man, 
Max  Adeler,  and  other  funny  men  and  women. 

This  IS,  indeed,  a whole  bushel  of  funny  things,  well  shaken  down, 
and  running  over  with  fun  and  good  humor.  It  contains  64  pages,  and 
is  handsomely  illustrated.  Price  Ten  Cents. 

S^“The  above  books  are  for  sale  by  Newsdealers  and  Booksellers. 
Either  of  them  will  be  mailed  on  receipt  of  price  by  the  Publishers, 

Address,  J,  S.  OOII^VIE  & CO.,  EuMisUers 

31  Rose  Street,  New  York. 


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